Dodgers: Five options if MLB institutes universal designated hitter

AJ Pollock, Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
AJ Pollock, Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 09: Kike Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a solo home run in the second inning of game five of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on October 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Enrique Hernandez

The 2020 season is an important one to Kiké Hernandez. The utility man is set to become a free agent next offseason, and he would like nothing more than to prove why he should be a valuable commodity on the open market.

After playing in at least 130 games in each of the previous three seasons, it could be challenging for him to find himself in the lineup on so many occasions under normal conditions this season. The designated hitter role would give him an opportunity to gain more at-bats both in the field, as other Dodger players cycle through DH responsibilities, or as the DH, himself.

Hernandez had a breakout season at the plate in 2018 when he batted .256/.336/.470 and hit a career-high 21 home runs. His production fell a bit last year when his batting average dropped to .237, but he still hit 17 home runs, and if he can keep his walk rate closer to his career average, he can be an above average hitter in the lineup.