While the pitch clock has been baseball’s hot topic throughout spring training, another MLB rule change will be implemented in 2023 and will perhaps have a bigger impact on the game itself- even.
It is, of course, the restriction of the changeup, which has become a predominant part of game planning for MLB managers.
Due to the consistent presence of the mismatch in recent years, particularly on left-handed hitters, MLB instituted rules in 2023 to get rid of it. extreme changes. This means that players cannot be drastically out of position before the field.
These rules also only apply to infielders, so expect to see some creative use of outfielders in 2023, although there is more risk inherent in this type of change.
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MLB 2023 Changeover Rules
There is no prohibition on change. Rather, players should be at least vaguely in their “normal” position this season.
There must be two players on either side of second base when the pitch is delivered this season, and straddling second base is no longer permitted.
Additionally, infielders must have both feet on the infield, meaning changes with third basemen at shortstop, shortstops shaded to the right of second, and fielders second base in right field will be a thing of the past.
So far in spring training, some teams have experimented with a set of five infielders and two outfielders, with the center fielder playing where the second baseman played in the extreme changeup and the outfielders playing out. corner playing right and left center field.
The Red Sox opt for a two-man outfield against Joey Gallo, playing the third outfielder in short right field where an offset second baseman might have previously been. pic.twitter.com/U3oDyh29jD
–Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) March 3, 2023
Effects of MLB travel restriction in 2023
Using advanced sports analytics, managers can predict within a few feet where a ball will be hit based on the situation.
The BABIP was as high as 0.300 in 2016 and 2017, but has deteriorated in recent years, dropping to 0.290 in 2022.
| Year | BABIP League |
| 2022 | .290 |
| 2021 | .292 |
| 2020 | .292 |
| 2019 | .298 |
| 2018 | .296 |
| 2017 | .300 |
| 2016 | .300 |
| 2015 | .299 |
| 2014 | .299 |
| 2013 | .297 |
| 2012 | .297 |
| 2011 | .295 |
| 2010 | .297 |
Of course, BABIP is not monolithic and is subject to some fluctuations. The league’s BABIP at spring training on Saturday is .319, which typically translates to a regular season BABIP of around .295 to .300. This would be the highest since at least 2019.
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What happens if a shift is violated?
If one side of the infield has three infielders or if an infielder has a foot on the turf on a ball put in play, batters may resume their previous at-bat with a ball added to the count OR take the game as is.
The Twins had a strikeout overturned (the third strike became an autoball) due to a shift violation.
We don’t have the actual video, but it is of the defensive player and, according to several accounts, it looked like this… pic.twitter.com/lNnCmyGQNx
– Codify (@CodifyBaseball) March 28, 2023
Although the sample size of the BABIP league in spring training is small, the reality is we may not see such a drastic change. In the minor leagues, where a shift restriction is already in effect, there has been a slight increase in BABIP in the Low A, High A and Double-A categories.
Perhaps the skill difference could lead to a larger gap in MLB in 2023. But realistically, don’t expect to see a massive change in the numbers this year. On the contrary, we could see an increase of five to ten points here this season to return to fashion.
