Earlier this week, the MLB announced there would be new rules across their lower levels. The new rule changes that will be in affect once the minor leagues start will be different for all minor league levels. This means each level in the minor leagues will all see different changes. These changes are experimental within the minor leagues to see if some of them will eventually get adopted at the MLB level.
Triple-A Increases Base Size
Based on the way the report reads, the most significant rule changes are being implemented at the lower levels. However, in Triple-A will implement larger bases from 15 inches square to 18 inches square. This will be used to give each player more room. However, this also might encourage base stealing more frequently as the runner can have a slightly larger lead without risking the chance of getting picked off.
The end of the shift?
Double-A will probably be the most interesting to see in terms of rules changes. They are essentially banning the shift. The rule keeps four players within the infield at all times, limiting them to a certain boundary. This is to encourage more balls in play and base hits. Left-handed hitters should benefit, as they have seen their offensive numbers killed because of the shift. The shift usually saw the third basemen enter near right field with the second basemen covering straight up the middle and the shortstop being the only player on the left side of the infield. Now, that small gap between the infield and the outfield in right will be open for left-handed hitters.
Trying for more stolen bases
In High-A, the new rule change is forcing pitchers to step off the pitching rubber before throwing to a base. Before, left-handed pitchers were able to trick batters with their move. Now, if pitchers don’t step off the pitching rubber, then it will be called a balk which advances the runner. This also encourages base stealing as runners don’t have to worry as much about being picked off by lefties.
Finally, Low-A teams will be limiting how many times a pitcher can attempt a pick-off. The pitcher will now only have two attempts to throw to a base. If the pitcher attempts a third time and fails to record an out, it will be a balk. The other significant change is the addition of a pitch clock in Low-A West and an automatic strikezone in Low-A South East.
Appealing to the younger generation
These rule changes in the minor leagues are an attempt to see if this would increase the appeal of the sport to younger fans. Pace of play has been a key issue that has been brought up. These rule changes were easier to introduce in the Minor Leagues due to the fact that Major League Baseball now fully controls the minor leagues. For these rules to be implemented on the Major League level, they would have to be approved by the Players Union.
While some of these changes will no doubt increase the run production across all levels of Minor League Baseball, we will have to wait and see if this increases fan interest. We’ve seen the Minor Leagues be a lab for experimentation before in the runner on second to start the 10th inning was introduced there before making it to the Major Leagues in 2020. Teams, coaches, and players will no doubt have to adjust to what seems like an ever changing game. But, the genuine love for the game shouldn’t leave anyone, no matter what changes we can see.