By Michael Cascaes

As the 2023-24 Major League Baseball (MLB) season opens on Thursday, March 29th, fans should be excited as the game will be seen in a new and unique way with the league implementing three new rules. The new rules have been developed to speed up the pace of play and make games more time efficient and exciting. The three new rules include a pitch clock, shift restrictions, and larger bases on the field of play. 

The new pitch timer rules will require pitchers to throw the ball within a specific time, reducing the time between pitches and keeping the game moving. Under the new regulations, pitchers will have a maximum of 20 seconds to deliver their next pitch, or a ball will be called. This means  wasted time between pitches, and the game will move faster. This will also help to prevent games from dragging on for too long, making them more efficient and enjoyable for fans.

The new pitch timer rules will also add a new level of strategy to the game. Pitchers and catchers will need to communicate and work together to ensure that pitches are delivered on time, while batters will need to adapt to the new pace of play and stay focused. This will make games more dynamic and engaging, and create a more competitive and entertaining environment for fans.

Overall, the new pitch timer rules will help improve the flow and efficiency of the game while adding a new level of strategy and excitement. Fans can look forward to a faster-paced and more engaging game in the 2023-24 MLB season, with more action and less downtime between pitches. Pitchers will have 15 seconds with the bases empty and 20 seconds with a runner on. Pitchers must begin their motion before the timer hits zero or be assessed a ball to the count. Batters not in the box by the eight-second mark will receive a strike to the count. A pitcher must begin his motion before the expiration of the 15-second timer, or 20 seconds with at least one runner on base. There will also be a 30-second clock for pitchers between batters.

“I’m excited about the new pitch timer being implemented,” Jayden Tisseker, a former pitcher for Brookdale Community College, said. “I was a pitcher my whole life. I think watching how guys adjust and use it to elevate their game is neat. It will also be neat to see how pitchers overcome this new adversity if they are used to working slowly.”

The impact of larger MLB bases can have  positive and negative effects. On the one hand, larger bases can reduce the number of collisions between base runners and fielders, reducing the risk of injury and making the game safer. This is especially important given the increasing concern over player safety in recent years.

On the other hand, larger bases can also change the game’s dynamics and impact the team’s strategy. For example, larger bases could make it easier for runners to steal, leading to more aggressive baserunning and a greater emphasis on speed in player recruitment. Along with the bigger bases, pitchers are only allowed to try and pick a runner off twice, and if not successful on the third attempt, it is considered a balk, and the runners get to advance a base.

“I love the idea of bigger bases because it allows for more action on the basepath,” said Nic Chirichello, a Tampa Bay resident. “I am a Yankees fan, so seeing  how our new young players like Anthony Volpe take advantage of the bigger bases and limited pickoff attempts will be exciting. The limited number of pickoff attempts while runners take the lead will be a big factor in the run game. If you know the pitcher can not throw over again, you can get a running start to steal a base.”

Additionally, larger bases could impact how fielders play defense, requiring them to adjust their positioning and fielding techniques. This could lead to more errors and defensive lapses as players adjust to the new dimensions of the field. The size of first, second, and third base is increasing from the standard 15″ square to an 18″ square, with the hope of improving player safety and encouraging teams to steal more frequently.

Overall, the impact of larger bases in MLB will depend on various factors, including player safety, game strategy, and the ability of players to adapt to the new rules. While it may take some time for players and fans to adjust to these changes, they have the potential to make the game safer and more exciting for everyone involved.

The other significant rule change for the 2023 season is shift restrictions on defensive players. Shift restrictions in baseball refer to rules that limit how much teams can shift their defense to one side of the field when a batter is up to bat. These restrictions aim to increase offensive production by giving batters more opportunities to hit the ball where there are no fielders. The new shift rule requires teams to have two infielders on each side of second base, and all infielders must have both feet in the infield dirt.

Those in favor of shift restrictions argue that the increased use of defensive shifts in recent years has made it more difficult for batters to get hits and has reduced the overall excitement of the game. By limiting the amount of shifting that can be done, it is hoped that batters will have more opportunities to hit the ball into play and create more action on the field.

On the other hand, opponents of shift restrictions argue that they are unnecessary and could have unintended consequences. Some worry that ruleslimit the ability of teams to use strategic defensive positioning to their advantage and could ultimately reduce the overall quality of play.

Ultimately, the impact of a pitch timer, bigger bases, and shift restrictions will depend on how they are implemented and enforced throughout the season. They could help to make the game more exciting and increase offensive production. The MLB commissioner, Rob Manfred, believes changes will produce a crisp, exciting game with more balls in play. However the changes could negatively affect the game and its players if not carefully considered.