Is MLB banning the shift in 2023?

The Major League Baseball competition committee has voted by majority to implement larger bases, a pitch clock and restrictions on defensive shifting, the league announced on Friday. 

However, the vote was not unanimous, as the MLBPA announced that players on the committee voted against the pitch clock and infield shift rule proposals because, in the words of the union, MLB was "unwilling to meaningfully address the areas of concern that Players raised . . .". 

That said, unanimity was not required in order for the rule changes to pass. "These steps are designed to improve pace of play, increase action, and reduce injuries, all of which are goals that have overwhelming support among our fans," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement released by the league. "Throughout the extensive testing of recent years, Minor League personnel and a wide range of fans – from the most loyal to casual observers – have recognized the collective impact of these changes in making the game even better and more enjoyable. We appreciate the participation of the representatives of the Major League Players and Umpires in this process."

Here's a look at the specific details of those changes:

Pitch Clock

The goal with the pitch clock would be to cut out as much "down time" as possible, especially when there aren't runners on base and the pitcher is standing on the mound holding the baseball. This has been tested in the minors for a few years and there haven't been many major complaints. 

According to the rule changes, the clock will be 30 seconds between hitters. The catcher must be in his box and ready with nine seconds left on the timer while the hitter has to have both feet in the box and "be alert to the pitcher" within eight seconds of the clock starting. 

Pitchers can still step off the rubber, which would reset the clock to 20 seconds if there's a baserunner and 15 seconds if there isn't. They are only permitted to do this twice per batter, though. According to MLB, similar changes in the minors reduced the average game time by 26 minutes and coincided with an increase in stolen base attempts and stolen base success rate. The stolen base numbers may also be related to the increased size of bases, as detailed below.

The rules are obviously much more detailed and specific, so check out the official details if interested. 

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Shifting rules

The shift has been a hot topic for years, notably "ban the shift" discussions. Heading into Thursday, the league batting average was a paltry .243 and while a decent portion of that lag from high-batting-average seasons is strikeouts, the batting average on balls in play is .290 (it was .300 in 2000). The line of thinking goes that if defenses shift less, more balls will find open spots leading to a higher batting average on balls in play and more action on the field. 

Per the league: 

  • Upon release of each pitch, there must be a minimum of four defenders -- other than the battery -- with both feet within the outer boundary of the infield dirt. 
  • Upon release of the pitch, there must be two of the four infielders on each side of second base. 
  • The team must designate two infielders for each side of second base and they cannot switch (for example, a team can't have a stud defender move back and forth based upon the handedness of the hitter). 

Larger bases

The bases have been 15 inches, square, on each side for decades and the size will increase to 18 inches on each side. There are a list of reasons for the change, among them that players' feet are much bigger now than when the bases were designed, possibly increasing the action on the basepaths (making it easier to steal bases or take the extra base on hits) and to possibly make it easier for players to stay on second and third in close plays instead of having long replays to see if a player barely came off the bag for a split second. 

According to MLB, the increased base size in the minors has coincided with a decrease in base-related injuries by 13.5 percent.

Major League Baseball implements sweeping rule changes taking effect next season... including increasing base size, banning the defensive shift and a pitch clock

  • A majority of members in the Competition Committee approved three changes
  • Pitch timers will improve the speed of the game, reducing dead time
  • Rules will also require two players on each side of second base and on the dirt
  • Finally, the size of the bases have increased by three square inches to 18 inches 

Published: 19:17 GMT, 9 September 2022 | Updated: 19:30 GMT, 9 September 2022

Major League Baseball passed three rules changes on Friday that will change the modern game, including the installation of a pitch timer and a ban on the defensive shift.

The rules approved by the majority of members of the new joint Competition Committee will take effect for the 2023 season, beginning in spring training and running through the postseason.

MLB says the three changes taking place are designed to make the games quicker, the action more exciting, and the game safer for players. 

Major League Baseball agreed to 3 rule changes taking place at the beginning of next season

The approved changes are:

--Addition of the pitch timer, designed to improve the speed of the game and reduce dead time. Pitchers will have up to 15 seconds between pitches when the bases are empty and up to 20 seconds between pitches with at least one runner on base to deliver the ball to home plate. Pitchers must begin their motion before the expiration of the timer, and they also may step off the rubber only twice per batter's plate appearance. That includes pickoff attempts. Stepping off a third time will result in a balk (unless the runner is ruled out). Hitters must be in the box with at least eight seconds remaining on the clock and will be allowed only one timeout per plate appearance.

--A ban on the shift, requiring the defensive team to have two infielders on each side of second base when the pitch is thrown. All four infielders must have both feet on the infield dirt when the pitcher is on the rubber. The goal is to encourage more balls being put in play.

--A change in the size of bases from 15 inches square to 18 inches square. Testing in the minor leagues this season showed that injuries on the basepaths decreased by 13.5 percent. Because the bigger bags decrease the distance from first to second base and second to third by 4 1/2 inches, more stolen-base attempts should ensue.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred believes the steps will improve the game for fans and players

While commissioner Rob Manfred praised the changes, the Major League Baseball Players Association disagreed. 

The joint committee was created as a part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement signed earlier this year. 

Of the 11 members, six are team officials are owners, four are players and one represents the umpires.

'These steps are designed to improve pace of play, increase action, and reduce injuries, all of which are goals that have overwhelming support among our fans,' Manfred said in a statement released by MLB. 

'Throughout the extensive testing of recent years, Minor League personnel and a wide range of fans -- from the most loyal to casual observers -- have recognized the collective impact of these changes in making the game even better and more enjoyable.'

MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark says the new changes didn't 'meaningfully address the areas of concern players raised'

The MLBPA, in a statement, disagreed.

'Players live the game -- day in and day out. On-field rules and regulations impact their preparation, performance, and ultimately, the integrity of the game itself,' the statement said. 

'Player leaders from across the league were engaged in on-field rules negotiations through the Competition Committee, and they provided specific and actional feedback on the changes proposed by the Commissioner's Office. 

'Major League Baseball was unwilling to meaningfully address the areas of concern that Players raised, and as a result, Players on the Competition Committee voted unanimously against the implementation of the rules covering defensive shifts and the use of a pitch timer.'

Also Friday, MLB announced it had reached a multi-year agreement to extend its deal with PitchCom, the technology used to make communication between catchers and pitchers easier. All 30 teams have used PitchCom on a voluntary trial basis this season.

Will the shift be allowed in 2023?

Bans the Shift and Adds a Pitch Clock for 2023. The league's competition committee chose to take immediate action on the issues despite the players voting against the changes. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month.

What are MLB rule changes for 2023?

The MLB has made it official that major changes are coming in their 2023 season. Starting next year the MLB will implement a pitch clock for the first time ever at the major league level. As well as a ban on defensive shifts and adopting larger bases.

Will the shift be banned in MLB?

Major League Baseball will effectively ban the shift beginning in 2023 as part of a series of rules changes announced Friday. All four infielders will now be required to have both feet in the infield and two infielders will be required to be on either side of second base when the pitch is delivered.

Is MLB changing the shift rule?

A pitch timer, limits on defensive shifts and bigger bases are coming to Major League Baseball in 2023. Following recent experiments in the Minor Leagues, the recently formed Joint Competition Committee voted Friday in favor of three rule changes aimed at improving pace of play, action and safety at the MLB level.