Major League Baseball has constantly been evolving, from mound distances to the introduction of designated hitters. Now, the MLB’s rule changes have reshaped the way baseball is played, watched, and even understood.

The Pitch Clock: 

The most talked-about change has been the introduction of the pitch clock in 2023. Now, a timer visible to the pitcher regulates how long the pitcher has to deliver the ball. As of 2023, pitchers had 15 seconds to throw with the bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. Batters must be ready in the box with at least eight seconds remaining on the clock. Baseball is often thought of as a slow sport and is sometimes called boring because of how long the games are and the amount of time spent on the mound. The average game length crept above three hours and 10 minutes by the early 2020s, with endless mound visits from coaches, pitching changes and batters stepping out repeatedly to take just one more second before being ready to hit the ball. With this change, the average game length was already 25–30 minutes shorter. In 2023, following the implementation of the change, the average nine-inning MLB game took around two hours and 38 minutes to be completed, which was the fastest pace since 1985. Due to this decrease in time, fans stay engaged throughout the action. While the change was hard at first for pitchers, it has now become part of their training, with a greater emphasis on stamina and rhythm. 

Larger Bases: 

Another change that occurred was increasing the size of the bases from 15 inches square to 18 inches square in 2022. The slightly larger surface area may seem insignificant, but it reduces the distances between first and second base and between second and third base. While a small change, most plays come down to a split second, and batters are now focused on aggressive baserunning. In addition, the increased bases are thought to prevent collisions and injuries between baserunners and fielders. With more room, fielders can have their foot on the base without standing in the runner's way. In recent years, there has been a reduction in severe ankle, foot and collision-related injuries at first base, which is a crucial step toward player safety, a prominent issue in all sports. 

Limits on Pickoffs: 

In tandem with larger bases, MLB added restrictions on pickoff attempts to promote the stealing of bases further. Pitchers are now limited to two disengagements (pickoff throws or step-offs) per plate appearance. A third unsuccessful attempt results in a balk, which moves the runner up a base. Before, pitchers could have kept “checking” the runner, which slowed gameplay and even gave the pitcher a chance to regain stamina. Now, base runners know they have an advantage because after two pickoff attempts, runners cannot be checked again, which often results in a larger lead, increasing their chances of a successful stolen base. 

Defensive Shift Restrictions: 

Infield shifts, a strategy used in the infield to overload one side, have become so prevalent that they prevent players, particularly left-handed players, from getting on base. To ensure smooth gameplay and to prevent it from completely stunting batting averages for left-handed players, the MLB now requires two infielders to be on each side of second base, and all infielders must have both feet within the infield when the pitch is delivered. Traditionally, hits through the infield, particularly ground balls, would naturally find holes, but with shifts and anticipated placement, the game was changing. This rule allows for a balance of defense and offense, leveling the playing field. Now, more singles, more rallies and more excitement have benefited the fan experience, but also have increased the batting averages for left-handed hitters.

Balancing tradition with innovation

The rule changes have sparked debate across baseball as many lifelong fans argue that the game should not be altered to cater to shorter attention spans or television contracts. Others believe that innovation is essential for keeping baseball relevant to new generations of fans. But as with most things, the correct answer must lie somewhere in between. The pitch clock, larger bases, shift restrictions and pickoff rules have started to restore much of what made baseball beloved in the first place: energy, action and athleticism.