It’s not clear when (or even if) the 2022 Major League Baseball season will get going. The first week of the regular has already been canceled, commissioner Rob Manfred is getting blasted and the league’s owners have seemingly little incentive to end the lockout any time soon. But when the MLB lockout is lifted, things will be different.
The playoffs will almost certainly be expanded from 10 to either 12 or 14 teams. The other rules likely to be implemented include a universal designated hitter, a ban on shifts, and a pitch clock. These are conversations MLB fans have been having for years. But one new rule now discussed that hasn’t been on the mind of many fans is the idea of larger bases.
With the discussion of larger bases now being incorporated into these talks, MLB fans have voiced their feelings on the matter. It’s brought disparate opinions. Several fans are lukewarm — or worse — to the idea.
You know your sport has problems when you hope larger bases bring more excitement to the game https://t.co/F1tFFZ4ebT
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 6, 2022
The pitch clock I get, banning the shift I can sort of see, but larger bases? Why?
— Stirrups Now! (@uniformcritic) March 7, 2022
Larger bases? Why?
— Big Red Machine (@BigRedTweeter) March 7, 2022
Larger bases? Banning infield shifts?
Ty Cobb is spinning in his grave.
Our baseball immortals are somewhere laughing at the clown league that is Major League Baseball.
— Brock Landers 41 (@BrockLanders41) March 7, 2022
But that skepticism was not universal.
While it hasn’t been a hotly-discussed issue like others, larger bases can theoretically help solve a few issues. On one level, they could help player safety. With a larger base, the odds are decreased that the runner will step on the fielder on a close play. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s generally ugly.
Larger bases could also help make the game faster, or at least more action-filled. Recent seasons have seen an uptick in walks, strikeouts and home runs. A home run is the most efficient way to score a run. That will never change.
But as teams have begun to fill their lineups with hitters who are looking to drive the ball out of the park, those hitters have become more selective. That’s led to an uptick in both walks and strikeouts. That not only makes the game longer but also decreases the action within the game.
Larger bases would make it a little easier for hitters to reach base. That would (theoretically, at least), make them more likely to bunt or try to hit the ball on the ground. It would also potentially make runners more likely to try to take an extra base within a play or to try to steal.
No Shifts is the dumbest rule MLB could ever implement. If “Improving the Game” Czar / Private Equity kingpin Theo Epstein wants to make the bases larger, I actually like that idea. But banning the shift is idiotic on so many levels.
— MLBExecutiveBurner (@HotStoveintel) March 7, 2022
A lot of folks on Twitter dot com not realizing larger bases would have both an action and safety benefit
— Jeff Bandini (@bandinibaseball) March 7, 2022
Larger bases increases offense! You’re welcome
— JCruz (@juanvante) March 7, 2022
fine with pitch clock
like larger bases
get outta here with banning the shift https://t.co/UfngvYqR81
— Fantasy ⚾️ Commish (@DynastyOneStop) March 6, 2022
Not a fan of banning the shift and curbing fielding strategy, but implementing a pitch clock (quicker time between pitches) and larger bases (promotes stealing) are changes I’m excited to see. https://t.co/FItdkiVrr4
— DJ Bauer (@DJ_Bauer_99) March 7, 2022
Other observers were just interested in the comedy of the situation. And to be fair, there was some of that.
i have zero issue with larger bases, but man the memes i've been seeing are fantastic lmao
— Emily Nyman (@EmSheDoesIt) March 7, 2022
Whenever people talk about making the bases larger, I’m picturing comically large bases. Like square oversized bean bag chairs, players lounge on or something. https://t.co/iaHV1oeUzk
— Laurel Krahn (@wintwins) March 7, 2022
Larger bases? Really? That’s what it’s come to? #mlblockout pic.twitter.com/VRV72ItBTd
— Oracle Park Seagull (@OracleSeagull) March 7, 2022
So…..a visual representation of what the larger bases will look like, brought to you by Rickey Henderson! 🤣 https://t.co/XyktbkpulS pic.twitter.com/uCWD5QLt67
— Man-cave of Steal (🏃🏿💨🧤) (@rickey939) March 7, 2022
These larger bases #MLB wants to use seem just a little extreme. But figure should mean an uptick in stolen bases. pic.twitter.com/oX6GoKf5hv
— Cory McCartney (@coryjmccartney) March 7, 2022
Ultimately, though, there’s a greater issue. No rule will make any difference while the games are locked out.
Banning the shift does not bother me.
Slightly larger bases do not bother me.
Pitch clocks may bother me quite a bit.
But you know what really bothers me?
…not having any baseball at all.#MLB #MLBPA #lockout— Greg Andriano (@gregandriano05) March 7, 2022
And that’s really the most important issue here. The new rules can be debated. But if there are no games to see them implemented in, the arguments will prove pointless.