MLB is constantly looking to change and evolve: for better and for worse, that’s a reality.
It’s well known at this point that the league wants to implement the pitch clock, ban the shift, and use larger bases starting next year.
ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. wrote a profile of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, in which he touched base on these topics and more.
MLB insider Jeff Passan gave us all a peek at what’s in the story.
“News in this story includes: – MLB wanting to expand to 32 teams – The pitch clock is almost a certainty in 2023 – Manfred saying MLB is targeting automated balls and strikes — robot umps — in some form or fashion in 2024,” he tweeted.
News in this story includes:
– MLB wanting to expand to 32 teams
– The pitch clock is almost a certainty in 2023
– Manfred saying MLB is targeting automated balls and strikes — robot umps — in some form or fashion in 2024Lots more from Don in this expansive look at Manfred. https://t.co/Hzb7kdehmT
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 30, 2022
That’s a lot to digest.
It’s evident that MLB has wanted to expand for a few years now.
MLB Is Exploring Some Changes, Such As An Expansion And Robot Umpires
There are 30 teams in the league as of now, so two more squads will eventually join MLB.
It’s likely, however, that Oakland and Tampa Bay’s fates will be decided before exploring that option at length.
The pitch clock seems to be a go: pitchers, generally speaking, don’t like it at all, but it has been implemented in the minor leagues and games have been shorter on average.
Additionally, the news that the league is targeting 2024 to include robo umpires in some form is also noteworthy.
While the numbers don’t necessarily agree, we have seen many umpire blunders in the 2022 season, perhaps more than ever before.
Technology undoubtedly has a role in taking content to more people, but it’s hard to deny that some games have been difficult to watch, with so many officiating mistakes.
We will see what the league has in mind in a few months.
NEXT: Julio Urias Gets An Endorsement From A Superstar Teammate
