MLB executives and owners think there is a pace of play issue that baseball needs to solve.
That brings up the debate of whether or not the league should implement a pitch clock.
Executives love the idea, as shown here in a Baseball America article.
They say that the game needs to speed up, and that there is just too much time between pitches.
Executive and former general manager and head of baseball operations Theo Epstein was quoted last year as saying that, “we need to find a way to get more action in the game, get the ball in play more often, allow players to show their athleticism some more, and give the fans more of what they want.”
"We need to find a way to get more action in the game, get the ball in play more often, allow players to show their athleticism some more, and give the fans more of what they want.” – Theo Epstein on MLB's entertainment value pic.twitter.com/GVMZIXNEFf
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 14, 2021
The Pitch Clock Is Coming, Sooner Or Later
Of course, stances on this particular topic are extremely subjective: not everyone seems to be bothered by pace of play, and lots of players would need to adjust to the new rule.
But it’s coming, and you can be sure about that.
“The three rule changes that MLB wants to implement: Banning shifts, a pitch clock, and oversized bases can not begin before the 2024 season unless the union agrees. MLB wants the rules to go into effect in 2023,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently reported.
The three rule changes that MLB wants to implement: Banning shifts, a pitch clock, and oversized bases can not begin before the 2024 season unless the union agrees. MLB wants the rules to go into effect in 2023.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 3, 2022
It’s a bummer that the league can approve the rule unilaterally, but it seems to be on the horizon.
There will definitely be a rough adjustment period, especially by pitchers who seem to take an extra few seconds to find their focus and breathe on the latter innings of a game.
Will the Players Association strongly oppose to the move?
It’s unclear at this point.
Get your clocks ready.
NEXT: MLB Also Decides To Help Workers Through The Lockout