MLB Implements Radical Rule Changes

As parents of two competitive baseball players, watching our boys grow and improve their skills each year is exciting. However, watching baseball on TV can be downright boring. But Major League Baseball (MLB) has plans to change that by implementing radical rule changes aimed at attracting more fans, especially younger ones, and making the game faster and more action-packed. The league has experienced declining attendance over the past decade and lost ground to basketball and soccer, particularly among young fans who desire more action.

To address this problem, the league has enlisted the help of consultant Theo Epstein, who aims to guide baseball back to the game he grew up loving. The changes include a pitch timer, bigger bases, and a ban on the shift, which could make this the most significant difference in baseball since the beginning of the game. The league hopes these changes will excite the sport and draw in new fans.

Rule Change #1

The first rule change, effective 2023, involves implementing a pitch timer, giving pitchers 15 seconds to throw the ball to the plate when the bases are empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. While some fans may resist change, MLB executives are confident that players will adjust to the new pace of play, and all will appreciate the faster game. The league believes that the pitch timer is necessary to address the problem of lengthy games and that enforcement of the rules is crucial to its success.

Rule Change #2

The second rule change proposed for the 2023 MLB season is to increase the size of the bases from 15-inch squares to 18-inch squares. This change is expected to encourage batters to put more balls in play and increase activity in the game. It could also improve player safety and reduce injuries. While some experts believe the change will have a minimal impact on the game, others, including Epstein, are optimistic about its potential to increase action and improve the game.

Rule Change #3

The third rule change involves banning the defensive shift, which some coaches and players predict will lead to better hitting approaches and more offense. However, others believe it will have no impact or worsen the situation. MLB hopes that banning the shift will eliminate the use of four-man outfields, which have multiplied by 600% since 2018. Additionally, MLB believes banning the shift will allow good fielders to show athleticism and cover more ground. Nonetheless, baseball’s most significant problem remains the dominance of pitching and the lack of balls in play. The league is exploring several potential solutions, including new baseballs, restrictions on relief pitchers, automated strike zones, and limiting the number of pitchers a team can carry on its roster. To consider these rule changes, MLB has created a joint committee of players and executives that will lead conversations about more changes in the future.