In September 2022, Major League Baseball passed a range of rule changes that have taken effect this season – and not everyone is happy about them.
From the pitch clock significantly shortening games to the restrictions on defensive shifts stopping players from moving out of their positions while fielding, the new rules aim to reshape baseball to attract new fans and reinvigorate the game. All of these rules have been tested in the minor leagues over the last few seasons, but some fans and experts argue that it moves a sport built on tradition away from its roots.
While spring training saw some clunky moments as players got used to the new rules, overall, I think it's still too early to tell whether this is a good or bad thing for baseball. Games are shorter, but they don't feel overly rushed, and if you hadn't told me the bases were bigger, I wouldn't have even noticed. There will be a natural adjustment period, as there is with any major change, but since it's the first season of implementation, only time will tell if the new rules are a success.
So, what exactly are the new MLB rules?