MLB Rule Changes
With the start of Spring Training on February 24 the MLB is set for a whole new rule system. Last season the implementation of the pitch clock, the banning of the shift, and bigger bases were active in the minor leagues.
The MLB is facing a lot of controversy from the fans online as we all await to see how these changes really impact the game.
*Pitch Clock
With the addition of the pitch clock come new rules for both batters and pitchers.
A batter now has 30 seconds to get in the batter's box and must give an alert to the pitcher that they are ready by the eight-second mark, if not, they are charged with a strike.
For pitchers, they now have only 15 seconds to throw a pitch when no one is on base and 20 seconds when runners are on. Pitchers are now also limited to only two pick-off attempts per plate appearance with someone on first base.
There are a lot of negative comments about this change from fans, especially online. To fans, this might ruin the game and get rid of the pitcher's strategy for what pitch to throw next.
Also, pitchers are not adapted to having to throw that often, so there is a high possibility of injury.
With batters receiving strikes for not being on time it takes away from the pitcher's job and the element that makes baseball what it is.
With this specific rule, fans are sharing the quote “the people that make the rules, don’t even like baseball” all over social media.
*Banning of “The Shift”
Shifting infield players to one side of the second base is no longer possible! The MLB has elected to permanently remove the shift from all competition.
With this new rule, two players must remain on both sides of the second base bag at any given time.
This should make games more active and exciting to watch as the ball is in play more often and higher batting averages should be positive outcomes from this change and make the game more exciting for fans.
In recent years hitters have been complaining about infielders shifting, and while fans say “how can an MLB player not hit a ball to the other side of the field?”
However, the MLB gave in to their players and now the shift will never be seen again.
*Bigger Bases
Currently, in the MLB the bases are 15 inches and this season they are being expanded to 18 inches. The MLB says that this change is for safety to hopefully reduce the likelihood of players crashing into each other.
The only base not receiving this upgrade is home plate.
A lot of people are anticipating that with the bigger bases, stealing will be revived, and it will be extremely interesting to see if the safe percentage, especially at first base will be higher than in previous seasons.
With the many moments in a season that a batter is called out just barely being off the bag, with the three-inch increase the advantage this season may go to the batter in 50/50 calls.
*Ghost Runner
The MLB has decided to make the ghost runner permanent for regular season play.
This puts a runner at second base for the team hitting at the start of extra innings to try and score a run so games do not go far past the bottom of the ninth.
This rule originated in the 2020 shortened season and has been effective ever since.
The runner placed at second does not count as an earned run against a pitcher but does count as an RBI for the batter that brings him in.
With the MLB bringing in these four new rule changes for the 2023 season it is going to be an interesting time for baseball as players try to adapt and fans watch while forming their own opinions on the rules.
Will the MLB be successful in its efforts to try and make the game go at a faster pace and gain viewership or will it receive a high volume of backlash from players, managers and fans?
Only time will tell…
Chris Machado is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email cvm6238@psu.edu.
