Some big changes are coming for MLB next season.
During the lockout, while Major League Baseball and the MLB Player’s Association were trying to hash out a new CBA, there were other conversations that were going on behind the scenes, much of which were about potential rule changes for 2023.
Some ideas that were thrown around were the implementation of a pitch clock, larger bases, and restrictions on the shift.
Yesterday, it was revealed that MLB was expected to approve these rule changes soon.
This sets the stage for a different look for Major League Baseball and a slightly different style of game.
MLB is expected to approve the following rule changes for the 2023 season, per @Ken_Rosenthal:
▫️ Introduction of a pitch clock
▫️ Ban on the defensive shift
▫️ Larger bases pic.twitter.com/535IiH7IjN— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 8, 2022
Big Changes Coming For MLB
Ultimately, whether these rule changes are good or bad is up to interpretation.
The pitch clock is something that most fans seem to be in favor of, as it could potentially be a way that the game could be sped up a little bit.
This would ensure that pitchers don’t take too much time in between pitches.
It may not stop them from occasionally stepping off the mound and causing a slight delay, but it might help speed up the game a little bit and ensure that pitchers get back to work quickly.
Larger bases are something that most fans seem to be on the fence about.
Fans have expressed their opinions on the matter, stating that it likely would not change anything.
The banning of the shift has also been met with mixed reactions.
On one hand, the exaggerated shift can take away a lot of hits and potentially, even some excitement.
On the other hand, some fans have expressed the sentiment that instead of banning the shift, hitters should be better about making adjustments.
Ultimately, we’ll see how fans react when these changes are put in place.
NEXT: It’s Now Or Never For The 2022 Orioles