The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) brought several changes to the 2022 season, including a universal designated hitter and expanded postseason.
Potential rule changes for future seasons will need to be approved by a joint competition committee comprised of six MLB appointees, four active players and one umpire.
Three changes that come to mind are a pitch clock, larger bases and a ban on defensive shifts. MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said earlier this year these rules are the focus for the 2023 season.
According to Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, MLB is expected to formally approve rule changes in a vote on Friday:
The introduction of a pitch clock, a ban on the defensive shift and larger bases for the 2023 MLB season are expected to be approved in a vote at noon ET on Friday — a vote in which the league ultimately has the power to push through the changes it wants.
A pitch clock, larger bases and a ban on defensive shifts have been tested throughout the Minors over recent seasons, with encouraging results that prompted MLB to bring them to the Majors.
One potential change that didn’t make much headway is a robotic strike zone. MLB has been testing the Automated Ball and Strike system (ABS) since 2019, but the union does not appear to be in favor of one at this time.
Additional MLB rule changes?
In addition to the aforementioned rule changes, MLB is testing a “Challenge” system in select Single-A Southeast games, which pitchers, catchers and batters have an ability to appeal the umpire’s call to the ABS system.
In Challenge Games, each team will receive three appeals, and successful appeals will be retained.
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