A few key topics in MLB negotiations, like team clocks and pitching, have reportedly been decided for the 2023 season.
As the MLB lockout continues, the details of what baseball will look like afterward are unfolding. Although they will only come into force when the two sides reach an agreement, which is still unlikely at the moment.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, some key topics have been decided for the 2023 season. Shifting will be prohibited, a throwing clock will be put in place and the bases will be larger. Every decision was made in hopes of making the game more enjoyable to watch.
The players’ union agreed to allow MLB to ban teams, implement a pitch clock and expand bases in 2023, provided those agreements were part of an overall deal. The Union also rejected Robo umps for ’22/’23. MLB’s goal: to be able to streamline the process and add excitement to the game.
– Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 6, 2022
This change has been an increasingly discussed and controversial topic in MLB in recent years. Many players complain about how defensive strategy Is unfair, because the ability to record a hit other than a home run is diminished. Although strike adjustments can be used to combat him, this tactic will no longer be allowed.
The pitch clock hopes to address the increasing length of MLB games, which has become a problem for a game that is already played at a relatively slow pace. According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogerstimes would be 14 seconds with no runners on base and 19 seconds with runners on base.
The increase in bases is intended to make it easier to steal bases, which has declined rapidly in recent decades. While this won’t make basic stealing more popular, it’s a good start.
Seeing these changes will be very interesting. With playoff format revisions This seems like a real possibility, but MLB could be back with a lot more enthusiasm.
