The DH debate has been ongoing since at least 1891. The passion demonstrated by both proponents of, and opponents to a universal DH rule has endured over the years. The debating points, which have not changed much over the years, are as follows:
Key arguments in favour of the DH rule
- Pitchers are terrible hitters
- No, pitchers are just awful hitters
Primary arguments against the DH rule
- There is more in-game strategy in a National League contest compared to an American League game
- Less use of the double switch
- A non-DH game contains more “small” ball than a game with a DH
Unless otherwise indicated, all data is from FanGraphs; the period examined covers the 2010-2019 seasons.