A huge vote took place on Friday for the MLB regarding a number of significant rules for the 2023 MLB season that could have a huge effect on the sport of baseball for years to come.
The rules up for vote were a potential pitch clock that we have seen in the minor leagues for years now, and the potential ban of shift defense, which has been a staple in the MLB for decades.
MLB insider Jeff Passan reported on Friday that the Major League Baseball competition committee has officially voted to implement a pitch clock and ban defensive shifts along with bigger bases, which will take place in 2023.
Major League Baseball's competition committee has voted to implement a pitch clock and ban defensive shifts starting in 2023, sources tell ESPN.
It is official: 15-second clock with bases empty, 20 with runners on; and two fielders on each side of 2B bag, both feet on the dirt.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 9, 2022
This vote did not come without controversy, as the players voted against both the pitch clock and shift restrictions while agreeing unanimously on bigger bases.
The vote among the competition committee was not unanimous. Players voted against the pitch clock and the shift restrictions.
The vote for larger bases was unanimous.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 9, 2022
These changes have certainly gotten the attention of the MLB world, with a ton of people having mixed reactions to the changes beginning next year.
Some are very happy about the changes and believe that banning the shift and implementing a pitch clock should make for a much more enjoyable product of baseball.
My hot take on the shift is that I don't really care about guys rolling over to the right side for repeated outs.
I really, really care that shooting the ball back up the middle isn't a hit anymore. Drives me crazy. https://t.co/wgljnXfCPV
— Nick Stellini (@StelliniTweets) September 9, 2022
The pitch clock should be a help for pace of play, but the banning of defensive shifts is something I feel we haven't heard the end of. I'm interested to see what effect(s) the larger bases ultimately have. https://t.co/i3IXzXbWO8
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) September 9, 2022
Breaking: Baseball does something smart https://t.co/VzPIcfSuS1
— Dan Primack (@danprimack) September 9, 2022
Pull hitters about to hit for .480 next year. https://t.co/i23yZPJU3b
— GrandPooBear (@GrandPOOBear) September 9, 2022
Thank god for the pitch clock and banning the shift. I'm all about this.
The pitch clock has done wonders in minor league baseball increasing the pace of play. It's better for the longterm health of the game even if the old traditionalists despise it. https://t.co/0tdZoWdYgN
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) September 9, 2022
However, some are extremely disappointed to see the shift being banned, with many believing that it takes some of the defensive strategies out of the game.
I don't mind the pitch count, but banning the shift is dumb. If you're a professional baseball player you should be a good enough hitter to beat the shift ffs. https://t.co/BrZTk3lIKX
— Dan King (@Kinger_DC) September 9, 2022
Taking away a major competitive aspect of the game is absolutely crazy to me. But the pitch clock is good. https://t.co/TzkamwNwWK
— Ben Baer (@BenBaer89) September 9, 2022
Pretty wild to see a sport ban a defensive strategy (against player wishes) because it is too successful. https://t.co/3CnLnhxSss
— Yaya Dubin (@JADubin5) September 9, 2022
Horrible! Decreasing strategy in a game is bad, in every form. https://t.co/8XvxXdDc2E
— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) September 9, 2022
Whether the changes are good or bad for the sport is unclear. But it will certainly make for an interesting year next season with a completely different-looking game.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.