MLB Will Be On The Clock In 2023, With Other Changes Coming To The Game

By Barry Janoff

UPDATED March 28, 2023: In preparation for Opening Day March 30, MLB has unveiled some humorous fan-friendly ads focusing on its rule changes, with the tag line, “Three New Rules. More Great Action.

The changes are led by the pitch clock, larger bases and a restriction on defensive shifts.

In one, New York Mets designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach is contemplating stealing a base because of the larger bases and decreased distance between and second, much to the chagrin of his manager Buck Showalter.

The bases (except for home plate) are being increased from 15 to 18 square inches, meaning a shorter distance of six inches.

“These new bases are wider than the old ones,” Vogelbach thinks to himself while taking a lead off of first base. “Now it will be easier to steal second base.

“Is he focused on the site of the new bases?” Showalter thinks to himself in the dugout. “Is he thinking about stealing second base?”

“Seven years in the league,” thinks Vogelbach. “And he’s never stolen a single base,” thinks Showalter. “Don’t steal second base!”

“The pitcher’s not looking,” thinks Vogelbach as he takes off from first. ‘I’m not looking,” thinks Showalter as the spot ends, leaving the outcome in flux.

In "Get That Shift Outta Here," Bryan Cranston says while watching 2023 MLB action, “This game is for you, the fan. You want the action to flow. This is the game we all want to see.

"Get the ball. Pitch the ball. Keep the defense on their toes. Field like Ozzie (Smith), run like Rickey (Henderson). So get that shift outta here. Free up the players to put on a show.

“It’s the best game in the world. Now it’s even better.”

September 9, 2022: In 2023, MLB’s clock will be on, shifts will be off and bases will be bigger.

These and other tactics have been and continue to be tested throughout Minor League Baseball.

MLB next season joins the NBA, NFL, NHL, tennis (for serving) and other sports that work with a clock, a move that league officials said would speed up the game.

Over the past two seasons, the average length of a MLB game have been more than three hours.

MLB said the use of a pitch clock reduced the average time of games in MiLB by about 26 minutes.

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 the move has also seen a rise in both stolen base attempts and successful steals.

The decision to put limits on defensive shifts is aimed to support offensive production.

“Throughout the extensive testing of recent years, Minor League personnel and a wide range of fans — from the most loyal to casual observers — have recognized the collective impact of these changes in making the game even better and more enjoyable,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said via the league.

The changes were officially approved — though not unanimously — 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.

The changes already have received pushback from the MLB Players Assn.

“Players live the game — day in and day out. On-field rules and regulations impact their preparation, performance, and ultimately, the integrity of the game itself,” MLB PA posted to its Web site.

“Player leaders from across the league were engaged in on-field rules negotiations through the Competition Committee, and they provided specific and actionable feedback on the changes proposed by the Commissioner’s Office.

“Major League Baseball was unwilling to meaningfully address the areas of concern that players raised, and as a result, players on the Competition Committee voted unanimously against the implementation of the rules covering defensive shifts and the use of a pitch timer.”

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.

"Players on the Competition Committee voted unanimously against the implementation of the rules covering defensive shifts and the use of a pitch timer.”

Also as part of the time-restriction changes, pitchers will be limited to two “disengagements” (i.e. pickoff attempts or step-offs) per plate appearance. The limit is reset if a runner or runners advance during the plate appearance.

If a third pickoff attempt is made and the pickoff attempt is not successful. the runner automatically advances one base.

Umpires may provide extra time if warranted by special circumstances.

Committees members include St. Louis Cardinals CEO Bill DeWitt Jr., San Francisco Giants chairman Greg Johnson, Colorado Rockies CEO Dick Monfort, Toronto Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro, Seattle Mariners chairman John Stanton and Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner, and umpire Bill Miller.

Players on the panel include Cardinals Rockies pitcher Jack Flaherty, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow, Blue Jays infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield and Giants outfielder Austin Slater (Chicago Cubs infielder Ian Happ participated as an alternate).

Rawlings Sporting Goods, the official baseball, helmet, face guard and gGlove of MLB, in July acquired the Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases brand from Schutt Sports, Jack Corbett Hollywood Bases has provided MLB with its bases since 1939.

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