With spring training games about to start, we will soon get a look at what baseball will look like with some new rules in place.
This year, the shift will be limited so that two infielders must be on either side of second base.
There will also be larger bases to prevent potential injuries.
In addition, a pitch timer will be introduced, which means a pitcher and hitter both have 15 seconds between pitches to be set.
As of now, we still aren’t sure what we’re going to see just yet.
But former MLB executive and current league consultant Theo Epstein is here to explain what the changes will entail.
As #SpringTraining games begin later this week, Theo Epstein explains what fans have to look forward to with the new on-field rules. pic.twitter.com/AblNxqZIzB
— MLB (@MLB) February 22, 2023
Epstein first talked about action, meaning a faster pace of play, more stolen bases, more hits, and more great defensive plays.
The rules have supposedly been tested in the minor leagues and have brought the positive change fans have been looking for, according to Epstein, who states that the rules give fans more of what they want and less of what they don’t want.
He then went on to talk about what fans typically don’t like to see, citing “dead time” as one of the key factors, which means a delay in action before pitches are thrown.
Epstein states that with the pitch timer, roughly 25 minutes have been shaved off of game times.
This could be good for the game and could in fact give fans exactly what they have been hoping for.
Finally, Epstein closed his statement by saying that these changes will bring out a better side of baseball and that ultimately, fans will get used to it.
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