The MLB universe is currently split in two fields: those who think the shift should be banned and those who are fine with defenders coming up with clever ways to use players’ weaknesses to their advantage.
The league, with the approval of the Players Association, will be able to implement a shift ban, alongside other changes to the rules, starting in 2023.
There will be no more shifts after this season.
Therefore, we will no longer watch things like this:
Joey Gallo won't have to do this anymore
(via @YESNetwork)pic.twitter.com/i8YKdJJEkg
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 7, 2022
For every pull hitter successfully beating the shift with a well-placed bunt, there are dozens of failed attempts: bunting on a 90+mph pitch is, as you might be able to imagine, not easy.
Hitters Like Gallo Are Thankful For The Change
The only certain thing on this particular debate is this: Joey Gallo, and other stars with pull-heavy approaches who often had to see six or seven fielders on their pull side, will no longer have to deal with that from 2023 onward.
Gallo, a 48.2 percent hitter to his pull side compared to just 21.7 percent to left field, is certainly thankful.
He had said that while he is not 100 percent against defensive strategies, something needed to be done about the shift.
“I get the defensive strategies,” Gallo told The Athletic last summer; “I do. I’m 100% not against that. But I think at some point, you have to fix the game a little bit. I mean, I don’t understand how I’m supposed to hit a double or triple when I have six guys standing in the outfield.”
He is, apparently, getting his wish.
Just as pitchers will need to adjust to the new pitch clock, defenses and hurlers will have to deal with the fact they will no longer be able to shift against hitters like Gallo.
NEXT: MLB Fans Poke Fun At Joey Gallo About The Shift Ban