6 DH options for the Phillies if the Universal DH returns in 2022

6 DH options for the Philadelphia Phillies if the Universal DH returns in 2022

Oct 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) flips the bat as he runs the bases after hitting a grand slam against the Houston Astros during the second inning of game three of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 2, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a three RBI double against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Andrew McCutchen, Free agent

I posited this before the Phillies declined Andrew McCutchen’s option, and I still think it’s a solid idea. McCutchen had a really solid year at the plate but struggled in the outfield.

Eliminate the outfield, and you’ve got a hitter who mashed two grand slams in 2021, after not hitting once since 2017. In the 13th year of his career, Cutch hit .222/.334/.444 with a .778 OPS, which isn’t exactly his best work. However, he also hit 27 home runs and drove in 80 RBI, his most in a season since 2017.

At 34 years old, McCutchen would be an affordable, short-term DH option for the Phillies. And if they aren’t interested in this scenario, you can bet another NL team will be. Perhaps his old stomping grounds in Pittsburgh.

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