Major League Baseball has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and so has its video game counterpart. One of the biggest rule changes in modern baseball—the universal Designated Hitter—has left many players wondering how it translates into MLB The Show. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a Franchise mode strategist, or a Diamond Dynasty competitor, understanding how the DH works in the game can directly impact your lineup decisions and long-term team planning.
TLDR: Yes, there is a Designated Hitter (DH) in MLB The Show, and it reflects real-life MLB rules. Since MLB adopted the universal DH in 2022, the feature has been included across most game modes. However, the way it functions can vary slightly depending on the mode you’re playing. Understanding how and where the DH applies can give you a competitive edge.
The Short Answer: Yes, There Is a DH
In modern editions of MLB The Show, the Designated Hitter is fully implemented—mirroring current Major League Baseball rules. With MLB’s adoption of the universal DH rule in 2022, pitchers no longer bat in either league. The game followed suit, ensuring realism for players who want the authentic MLB experience.
That means you no longer have to worry about your ace striking out on three pitches in a critical late-game situation—unless you manually change settings for a retro or custom experience.
What Is the Designated Hitter Rule?
For newcomers, here’s a quick overview:
- The DH bats in place of the pitcher.
- The pitcher does not hit.
- The DH typically remains in the lineup without playing defense.
- If the DH takes a defensive position, the pitcher must bat.
Historically, the American League used the DH while the National League did not—until MLB standardized the rule across both leagues. MLB The Show now reflects this unified approach.
How the DH Works in Different Game Modes
While the universal DH exists across the game, its impact depends heavily on the mode you’re playing. Here’s how it breaks down:
1. Franchise Mode
Franchise Mode fully supports the universal DH, aligning with real MLB rosters and rules. When you begin a standard modern Franchise:
- Your pitcher will not appear in the batting order.
- You’ll have a dedicated DH slot.
- You can rotate players into the DH position to manage fatigue.
This adds an extra layer of strategy. For example:
- Rest an aging slugger’s legs while keeping his bat in the lineup.
- Protect a player returning from injury.
- Maximize offense with a power-only player who struggles defensively.
You can also customize league rules when starting a franchise. Want to remove the DH for nostalgic realism? You can typically adjust the rule settings before beginning your save.
2. Road to the Show (RTTS)
In Road to the Show, whether the DH affects you depends on your created player’s position.
- If you’re a pitcher only, you usually won’t bat due to the universal DH.
- If you’re a two-way player, you may appear as a DH when not pitching.
- If you’re strictly a position player, the DH spot may open occasional opportunities.
This is particularly important for two-way builds inspired by stars like Shohei Ohtani. The game intelligently rotates you between pitching, hitting, and DH duties based on roster needs and stamina.
3. Diamond Dynasty
In Diamond Dynasty, the DH has become a staple of competitive lineups. Because this mode emphasizes offense and roster optimization, the DH allows:
- One additional elite hitter in your lineup.
- More roster flexibility.
- Fewer “automatic outs” from pitchers (which used to exist in earlier editions).
This significantly changed the competitive meta. Before the universal DH, National League-style rules meant pitchers hit in certain modes, subtly affecting strategy. Now, lineups are stacked from top to bottom.
4. Online Head-to-Head Play
Most online modes mirror current MLB rules and include the DH. However, special event modes may modify rules for variety. Always check event-specific settings before building your lineup.
Comparison Chart: DH Availability by Game Mode
| Game Mode | DH Included? | Customizable? | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise | Yes | Often yes (at setup) | High – roster management and fatigue control |
| Road to the Show | Yes | Not directly | Moderate – depends on position |
| Diamond Dynasty | Yes | No | Very High – extra power hitter slot |
| Online Ranked | Yes | No | High – no pitcher batting |
| Custom Leagues | Usually | Yes | Variable |
Strategic Implications of the DH
The inclusion of the DH changes gameplay significantly. Here’s why it matters:
1. Increased Offensive Output
Removing pitchers from the batting order increases run production. Games often see:
- More rallies
- Longer innings
- More balanced scoring throughout the lineup
In Diamond Dynasty especially, there are virtually no “easy outs.”
2. Reduced Double-Switching
In older versions of MLB The Show that simulated National League rules, you frequently had to:
- Double-switch pitchers
- Pinch-hit late in games
- Micro-manage bullpen timing
With the DH, those strategic layers are reduced. Some players miss this complexity, while others enjoy the streamlined gameplay.
3. Roster Construction Changes
The DH encourages:
- Signing defensively limited sluggers
- Keeping veteran hitters longer
- Building deeper offensive benches
In Franchise mode, this can extend player careers and alter contract decisions.
Can You Turn Off the DH?
Yes—in certain modes.
When starting a new Franchise or Custom League, you may have the option to toggle rule settings, including the DH. If you want a classic-style experience where pitchers bat, look for:
- League Rules Settings
- Game Style Presets
- Custom MLB Configurations
However, in Diamond Dynasty and most online competitive modes, you cannot disable the DH because those formats follow standardized rule sets.
Does the DH Affect Player Ratings?
Indirectly, yes.
Since pitchers no longer need meaningful hitting attributes in most modes, their offensive stats matter very little. In contrast:
- Pure hitters gain more value.
- Defensive weaknesses are easier to hide.
- Bench bats become more impactful.
In Diamond Dynasty particularly, you can afford to roster a defensively challenged power hitter and slot them at DH without penalty.
What About Historical or Retro Seasons?
If you’re playing with classic teams or historical rosters, the DH rule may reflect the era. For example:
- 1970s American League teams may use a DH.
- Pre-2022 National League teams may not.
This depends on how faithfully that specific game mode or roster set mirrors baseball history. Custom leagues offer the most flexibility if you want to recreate older rule structures.
Why the DH Matters More Than You Think
On the surface, the DH might seem like a small detail. But in MLB The Show, it reshapes:
- Game pacing
- Roster economics
- Lineup depth
- Competitive balance
The absence of pitcher batting eliminates weak lineup spots and changes late-inning strategic decisions. This makes the game slightly more offense-driven and accessible to casual players while maintaining depth for serious competitors.
The Verdict
So, is there a DH in MLB The Show? Absolutely. The game mirrors modern MLB’s universal Designated Hitter rule across nearly all major modes. While you may have limited customization in competitive formats, options do exist in Franchise and custom leagues for those craving old-school baseball.
Ultimately, the DH enhances realism and expands strategic possibilities—especially in roster construction and lineup optimization. Whether you love the added offense or miss pitchers awkwardly swinging at breaking balls, one thing is certain: the Designated Hitter is now a permanent and impactful part of the MLB The Show experience.