A universal designated hitter rule is expected to be approved by MLB players as part of a proposal from the league to start the season, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
Players have reportedly "long favored" the idea of applying a designated hitter to the National League, something that has been practiced in the American League since 1973. The new rule could boost pay for select players for the 2021 season if their batting statistics were to benefit, per Heyman.
A universal designated hitter rule would help protect pitchers in a potential shortened season, as they will have less time to prepare in a second "spring" training period.