MLB Proposes Rule Changes to Speed Up the Game

In an effort to pick up the pace of play and enhance the excitement of baseball, MLB is considering several rule changes for the upcoming season. These changes aim to reduce game duration and eliminate certain time-consuming tactics. Let's delve into the proposed alterations that could shape the future of America's favorite pastime.

Proposed Changes to Batter Timeouts

Exploring the potential alterations to batter timeouts and their impact on game duration.

One of the proposed rule changes focuses on batter timeouts, which have contributed to longer game durations. Currently, batters can take their one permitted timeout with two strikes on them, leading to increased game length. To address this issue, MLB is considering implementing a restart of the pitch timer after granting the batter's request for time. This change aims to prevent hitters from taking advantage of unlimited time and pitchers from delaying the game by holding the ball for prolonged periods.

However, there is a concern that this change may not achieve its desired goal. Hitters could potentially wait until the last possible moment to call a timeout, further prolonging the game. To address this, umpires could be given more discretion to enforce timely return to the batter's box or establish a time limit for timeouts.

Pitching Changes and Mound Visits

Examining the proposed adjustments to pitching changes and mound visits to enhance game flow.

MLB's Competition Committee also proposes changes to pitching changes and mound visits, aiming to reduce the number of visits and streamline the process. The committee suggests reducing mound visits from five to four, with an additional visit granted in the ninth inning if the team exhausts its allotment. This modification responds to fans' feedback, as mound visits are often considered time-consuming events in baseball.

Additionally, the committee suggests resetting the pitching change timer to two minutes instead of 2:15 when a new pitcher steps on the warning track. This adjustment could save a couple of minutes per game, contributing to a faster pace of play.

Addressing Circumvention and Warming Up Pitchers

Exploring proposed changes to prevent circumvention and eliminate unnecessary delays.

MLB is considering prohibiting pitchers from delaying the start of the clock by walking around the edge of the mound after a ball is out of play. This rule change aims to eliminate unnecessary delays and keep the game flowing smoothly.

Another proposed change involves the requirement that a pitcher who warms up must face at least one hitter. This change would prevent teams from making a pitching change immediately after the first hitter of an inning is announced, which often adds dead time to the game. By eliminating this tactic, approximately three minutes of dead time could be saved in each instance.