Commissioner Manfred: Rule Changes Are Needed For MLB's Continued Growth
Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 08:30PM By Barry Janoff
November 3, 2022: In September, MLB unveiled a number of changes that will have a major impact on the game beginning with the 2023 season, including larger bases, a pitch clock and a limit on defensive shifts.
Today, in the midst of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, commissioner Rob Manfred said that the rule changes would help “to deliver the best version of the game.”
“As I have traveled across the country watching games this season, our ballparks have been filled with excitement as our players demonstrated the magic of baseball,” Manfred wrote in a letter posted to the MLB Web site and social media platforms.
“The enthusiasm for the new postseason format makes me even more excited about the road ahead for the best sport in the world. This postseason has been a great example that change and a new approach can be good for our fans.”
Beginning this postseason, the number of eligible teams went from five to six in each league and the single-elimination Wild Card Game was replaced by a best-of-three Wild Card Series.
According to Manfred, “We are fortunate that the game’s history and traditions provide a foundation that has stood the test of time. But the game is always evolving on its own, and we should be unafraid of encouraging those trends that fans love and managing those that are less favorable.
“For example, in recent decades, our clubs have been aggressive in deploying highly effective competitive strategies on the field, as they should in their quest to win. Some of those same strategies, however, have not enhanced the entertainment value that our fans deserve. It’s incumbent upon us to strike a balance between honoring our history and implementing well-considered change that benefits our fans.
“I am a firm believer that we should make our great game even better by listening to our fans. Our goal has been to evaluate the ways in which we could nudge the game in the direction that our fans consistently tell us they prefer.”
The changes were officially approved by a recently formed Joint Competition Committee, which includes a voting body consisting of four active players, six members appointed by MLB and one umpire, created as part of the 2022-26 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Beginning in 2023, there will be a 30-second timer between batters, which impacts both hitters and pitchers.
There will be a 15-second timer between pitches with the bases empty and a 20-second timer with runners on base.
Pitchers who exceed the time will be charged with an automatic ball. Batters who exceed the timer are charged with an automatic strike.
The bases (except for home plate) are being increased from 15 to 18 square inches.
The larger bases are aimed to reduce collisions, particularly at first base, and in MiLB has also seen a rise in both stolen base attempts and successful steals.
The move to put limits on defensive shifts is aimed to support offensive production.
“Through thorough research, common themes emerge,” wrote Manfred. “Fans want to see more balls in play, athleticism, defense and base running. They don’t want unnecessary delays that prevent them from enjoying the late innings and conclusions of our games.”
According to Manfred, MLB conducted more than 8,000 games of experimentation during MiLB games and established a joint process with players for evaluating rules changes.
“This careful and thorough work took time, it demanded a willingness to undergo scrutiny, and it gave consideration to the views of dozens of stakeholders.
"Next year, pitch timers will facilitate a pace of play that an overwhelming number of our fans want. Shift restrictions will restore more traditional positioning of defensive players, resulting in more action from balls in play.
"And larger bases will keep players healthier on the field, with the added benefit of a slight incentive to be more aggressive on the base paths.
“It is our duty to deliver the best version of the game to our fans," wroteManfred. "That’s what our players have done throughout the regular season and a memorable month of playoff baseball. Thanks to them, we will leave the 2022 season with great momentum.
“Couple the excitement of this postseason with the promise of a new path in 2023, and you’ll understand why we have boundless optimism for our game’s future.”
MLB Will Be On The Clock In 2023, And Other Changes
Back to Home Page