A NEED FOR SPEED

More action in less time: MLB swings for the fences with its sweeping new rules changes

- KYLE GLASER

Big changes are coming to Major League Baseball.

After experimenting with various rules changes in the minor leagues the last two years, MLB instituted a sweeping series of rules changes in the majors in 2023. A pitch clock, a ban on infield shifts and limits on the number of pickoff attempts, among other rules changes, are all being implemented in the hopes of creating shorter, more action-packed games.

Taken together, the new rules have the potential to shorten game times, increase the number of hits and stolen bases, reduce injuries and decrease the amount of dead time during games. Most, but not all, of the rules changes achieved their desired effects in the minors, and MLB hopes the same will be the case in the majors.

Here is a rundown of the rules changes coming to MLB in 2023.

1. THE PITCH CLOCK

Pitchers will have 15 seconds to throw a pitch with the bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. Hitters have to be in the batter’s box with eight seconds remaining on the clock. If a batter is not in the box by the eight-second mark, an automatic strike will be called against him. If the pitcher has not started his delivery by the time the clock expires, an automatic ball will be called. Batters are allowed one time out per plate appearance.

The implementation of the pitch clock comes amidst the backdrop of steadily increasing game times in the major leagues. The average nine-inning game has lasted at least three hours each of the last seven seasons, including an all-time high of 3:10 in 2021. The average time of a nine-inning game exceeded three hours only once in the preceding 70 seasons.