Overview and Opinion:
Before the start of last season, negotiations between the MLB owners and the Player’s Committee led to the creation of some new rules to be implemented in 2023. Here I will recap the most important and game-changing rule changes and if I think they are solid improvements to the sport.
The Pitch Clock
What is this rule? To try and speed up the pace of the game, MLB has implemented the pitch clock this season. This only allows pitchers to have 15 seconds between pitches with no bases occupied and 20 seconds when there are runners on base. Additionally, the batter must be in the batter’s box and be alert to the pitcher at the 8 second mark on the clock. If the pitcher takes too long, a ball is added to the count. If the hitter is not ready in time, a strike is added to the count. Lastly, a pitcher can only step off the mound or attempt to pickoff a runner twice per at-bat. If they violate this rule, a balk will be issued, allowing all runners to move up one base.
My Opinion: Although I understand wanting to make games quicker in order to attract more fans to the sport of baseball, I have some issues with this rule. First off, games can be won or lost based on a pitch clock violation, which would be an unsatisfying result and does the opposite of attracting people to the game. Also, the decision of what is a “violation” is subjective and can vary from umpire to umpire. What is considered “alert to the pitcher”? The rule book doesn’t specify this. Lastly, on a more selfish note, I enjoy going to the ballpark and watching a game, no matter the length of the game. Many lifelong fans enjoy the experience of a baseball game and don’t care how long the game lasts.
Early Action: We have seen this clock in action in spring training, and for the most part, players seem to be getting used to it. While there have been a fair share of pitch clock violations, with some being heavily criticized by the public, the clock does seem to be doing its job. Games seem to be speeding up considerably as, on average, they are taking a whole half an hour less to finish. Players have also started to use the clock to their advantage, with Mets pitcher Max Scherzer utilizing all of the time he has to mess with the batter’s timing.
Banning the Shift:
What is this rule? The “shift” is when fielders move from their normal position to another place on the field to have a better chance of getting the batter out. This is usually done when a batter is up who mostly hits the ball on one side of the field. However, a new rule has been put into place which says that two players must be on each side of the infield, effectively banning the shift. In addition, there must only be 3 outfielders, meaning that infielders are not allowed to stand on the outfield grass.
My Opinion: I like this rule. The league wide batting average is sure to increase as hits will not be taken away by an infielder playing in right field. It is generally better for baseball when there is more action, and banning the shift will cause outs to turn into base hits. If MLB wants to attract more viewers, I feel that this is a better way than the pitch clock.
Early Action: Through the beginning of spring training, we have seen a large increase in batting average and on base percentage since before the shift ban. However, teams are already starting to get creative. Twins slugger Joey Gallo, who was one of the most shifted on players last year, saw one team place their left fielder in short right field. Basically, teams are willing to leave their whole left field open because Gallo will more than likely hit it to the right side of the field. Technically, they are not breaking any rules, so this type of shift could become more common.
Bigger Bases:
What is this rule? The MLB has also decided to increase the size of the bases from 15 inch to 18 inch sides. This will reduce the possibility of injuries that can be caused by players accidentally stepping on others’ feet. The more room there is, the less chance there is for these types of injuries to occur. In addition, this encourages more stolen bases, which have been on the decline lately, as the bigger bases makes it a bit easier to slide in safely.
My Opinion: I think that this change is great. Injuries are not good for any sport. Fans don’t want to see their favorite players get hurt because of something silly like getting stepped on by a pitcher trying to get an out at first base. Also, more stolen bases is better for the game as it creates more action on the basepaths. Overall, I think this was the best rule change this season.
Early Action: In 268 spring training games last year, there were only 300 stolen bases. However, that number has already been surpassed in this year’s spring training in only 170 games. It is clear that this change has affected the game already, and the number of stolen bases is sure to increase during the regular season as well.
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