In recent years, the MLB has strived to expand its fan base, focusing on the younger generations. Due to these efforts, the MLB has tried to modernize the game, resulting in multiple game adjustments and rule enforcements.
Some of these changes and implications have attracted a new fan base, while others have caused certain fans to drift away from the game. These alterations have led to many ongoing debates about whether or not all of these modifications are necessary.
Addition Of The Pitch Clock
Baseball has lost many fans due to how long the games typically last. In 2022, the average MLB game lasted 3 hours and 4 minutes, which many thought was too long for a single game. The inclusion of the pitch clock has many mixed emotions among players but seems to be enjoyed by fans. For the players, this rule has sparked the ideology that the pitchers and batters are now rushed, and their time at bat has been invaded.
During spring training in 2023, Manny Machado stated during an interview that the pitch clock takes away from the player's routine and presence, not allowing them to zone in before the pitch. On the other hand, fans enjoy this rule since the games are now more action-filled and not prolonged.
Before adding this rule, pitchers were allowed to take as much time as they needed to prepare for their pitches. Now, when a runner is on base, the pitcher has 20 seconds to release their pitch, and if the bases are empty, the pitcher has only 15 seconds. To speed the game up even more, a strike can be given if the batter causes a delay entering the box.
Shift Limits
In 2022, the MLB batting average was at an all-time league low for the first time since 1968. Many felt this was due to the increase in Shifting. Many players, especially left-handers, felt that the shift forced them to hit fly balls rather than ground balls or low-line drives, which encouraged them to adjust their batting position.
This ultimately led to a bias towards specific dominant-hand players and certain style hitters. “I feel like I've been very affected by the shift, as are a lot of lefties around the league," said Left-hander Anthony Rizzo. Due to this, the MLB has begun doing its best to restrict the action of shifting, now requiring all of the infielders to have both feet on the dirt, with two players on each side of second base before the pitch has been thrown.
Infielders cannot reposition themselves based on where they anticipate the ball will be hit. As the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, the infields can now move positions. This rule hopes to increase the batter average, creating more action for players and fans.
'Disengagement'
The Disengagement Rule of Two was also added to the rulebook to speed up the game. A pitcher now has only two chances to try to pick off a runner per appearance on the mound, including faking a pick-off. If the pitcher steps off the rubber more than twice, a balk will be called. However, if the runner advances during the pitcher's mound appearance, the limit of two is reset.
Field Revisions
From a structural standpoint, there have also been some changes. First, second, and third base have been increased from 15 inches square to 18 inches in the hopes of preventing player collisions. As well as, the runner's lane from home plate to first base has been widened. This lane now includes the dirt between the foul line and infield grass. This primarily benefits right-hand batters since it helps create a direct line from home to first and aims to prevent the defense from blocking the base from the runner.
MLB Initiatives
Even though there are still some concepts, concerns, and questions up in the air about these rule enhancements, it seems that the MLB is doing its best to find a balance for the fans and the players. Just like in life itself, nothing can be done to satisfy everyone's wishes, but with that being said, the MLB is doing its best to keep both players' and fans' best interests in mind while keeping the game modern and engaging. There are specific ways to address both sides positively, which the MLB has recently done.
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