Major League Baseball will have three new rule changes next year. First, a pitch timer will limit the time a pitcher can take between pitches. Another rule will restrict defensive shifts, and the third will see the league implementing larger bases. The Competition Committee approved the rules with a majority vote, but the players union has expressed its disdain for two of the rules.
“Player leaders from across the league were engaged in on-field rules negotiations through the Competition Committee, and they provided specific and actionable feedback on the changes proposed by the Commissioner’s Office,” the statement read. “Major League Baseball was unwilling to meaningfully address the areas of concern that Players raised, and, as a result, Players on the Competition Committee voted unanimously against the implementation of the rules covering defensive shifts and use of pitch timer.”
Pitch Timer
Pitchers will now have 15 seconds between pitches when the bases are empty and up to 20 seconds with one runner on a base. The MLB hopes that this change helps shorten games.
Defensive Restrictions
Two infielders must be positioned on each side of the second base, and all four infielders must be within the outer boundary of the infield. With these changes, MLB hopes to return baseball to a more traditional game. It would allow more balls in play and let infielders show their agility and defensive skills. It could also help batting averages go up as many players, such as Corey Seager tend to hit right into the shift.
“The players point of view is that we would rather move slowly and make sure the game looks the way the game looks now and keep making changes if we needed to, in a stricter direction, as opposed to going all the way strict and working backwards from there,” Happ said.
Larger Bases
The bases will now be 18 inches square instead of 15 inches. Bigger bases have reduced base-related injuries by 13.5% in the minor leagues. Also, larger bases lessen the distance between bases by 4.5 inches, which could increase base stealing.
“Throughout the extensive testing of recent years, Minor League personnel and a wide range of fans – from the most loyal to casual observers – have recognized the collective impact of these changes in making the game even better and more enjoyable. We appreciate the participation of the representatives of the Major League Players and Umpires in this process.”
The goal of these changes is to increase offense, and shorten games. MLB is taking a play right out of the NFL’s playbook when they instituted stricter rules around hits to the QB, which has seen the game become a much more pass heavy product. Whether these changes translate to the Major League level or not however remains to be seen.
-LaMarr Fields
Twitter: @raiderway83