As the 2018 season for the White Sox winds down, they enter the off season with a ton of questions. One of those questions is who will be the team’s Designated Hitter in 2019? Well, the front office might be looking at one of those “good problems to have” in that regard. Some people say Daniel Palka has earned the job next year, while others say Matt Davidson is the better option because of his higher on-base skills. The truth of the matter is that having both of them in a platoon DH system would benefit the club the most. Here’s why…
Lefty/Righty Splits
Matt Davidson is a right-handed batter, while Palka swings from the left. Consequentially, Davidson’s numbers while going against righties are downright abysmal. The same can be said for Palka against lefties. Don’t believe me? The stats speak for themselves.
Daniel Palka vs. left-handed pitching: .186/.269/.286 with an OPS of .555 (WOOF)
Matt Davidson vs. right-handed pitching: .212/.305/.404 with an OPS of .709
When Palka goes against righties and Davidson against lefties though…
Davidson vs. left-handed pitching: .292/.380/.504 with an OPS of .884
Daniel Palka vs. right-handed pitching: .249/.293/.530 with an OPS of .823
Last week, Sports Mockery’s Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast dove into who may be the odd man out in a scenario like this. Skip ahead to the 37:17 mark to see what Matt, Aldo, and Zo have to say on the matter.
2 Above League-Average DH’s
Well, the average DH has an OPS of .787, average wOBA of .337 and wRC+ of 112 in 2018.
Palka is at .777, .327, and 108.
So I wouldn’t expect it to be that much better, but I can’t say I know for sure. https://t.co/tGMOPSHSwq
— Write Sox (@WriteSox) September 27, 2018
If Palka and Davidson were both given the opportunity to play to their strengths every time they went up to bat, we are looking at 2 Designated Hitters that are above league average from a statistics standpoint.
Theoretically, Rick Renteria could plug and play either Palka or Davidson based on the pitching match up that day. Palka immediately became a fan favorite and could have some of the best pure power in all of baseball. Davidson gets on base at a .380 clip when going against lefties, gives versatility at 1st base, 3rd base, and relief pitcher (seriously, his camp is pushing for a bigger relief role next year).
Assuming Eloy Jimenez is playing every day in either outfield corner, the DH will come down to Palka or Davidson, but if the White Sox wanted to maximize their value, they would keep both and use them in a platoon role, giving them the best chance to succeed.
