Projected DH For NL Central Teams

As National League teams think ahead to their first season with a full-time designated hitter, we continue our look at the projected players slotted in for DH duties in 2022. 

Today, an assessment of the Central Division candidates:

Chicago Cubs: Clint Frazier

A low-risk, high-reward type of pickup for the Cubs. He suffered a serious concussion in 2021 which really destroyed his season in the New York Yankees outfield; he finished with a .186 average. New York waived him after the season, which led to some hilarious back and forth trash talk between Frazier and former Yankee CC Sabathia. 

Injury-prone at the best of times, Frazier has shown some glimpses of promise, however.  In 2019 and 2020, across 108 games, he hit 20 HR with an .844 OPS. Perhaps a fresh start at Wrigley and protecting him at DH will see him reach his expectations. 

Cincinnati Reds: Mike Moustakas

The last two seasons have been a disaster for Moose. The 33-year-old hasn't been able to stay on the field. And his .217 average with a .717 OPS when he has been able to play in 2020 and '21 has not been anything to write home about. But in 2019, he blasted 35 HR with the Milwaukee Brewers, so perhaps staying off the field in the DH spot might keep him healthy, and able to provide some power out of the DH slot.

Milwaukee Brewers: Tyrone Taylor / Christian Yelich / Lorenzo Cain / Keston Hiura

There are a number of possibilities, and while 27-year-old Taylor is currently penciled in here, it's safe to assume that Yelich will get some ABs at DH to save the wear and tear on his back, while soon-to-be 36-year-old Cain could also get some rest at DH. Former top prospect Hiura has been a huge disappointment; who knows if he gets a shot as well?

Pittsburgh Pirates: Michael Chavis / Hoy Park

Chavis had a decent 12-game trial with the Pirates late last season, but simply strikes out far too often; Hoy Park was a high-performing Yankees prospect before coming over in a trade deadline deal. He hit extremely well at Triple-A... Not so much in the majors thus far (.197 average).

St. Louis Cardinals: Paul DeJong / Juan Yepez

DeJong had another disappointing season at the plate in 2021, failing to crack the Mendoza Line, at .197. But as usual, he did supply a little pop, with 19 homers. Yepez hit 27 HRs with a .969 OPS in the minors last season, and produced big-time in the Arizona Fall League, so he is an intriguing possibility.

DH projections for the NL East can be found here; the NL West here. 

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports