The 2023 MLB season is being played this year with three new rule changes after they were approved by the joint competition committee in October of 2022. The new rules include a pitch timer, restrictions on defensive shifts and larger bases. These rules are designed and implemented to improve the game’s pace of play and increase the action on the diamond.

Many believing the pitch clock is one of the downsides of the new rules. Batters no longer have as much time as they need to get ready and into the box, which causes many to be thrown off their game. 

“I do not care for the new pitch timer rules because as a batter, it gives me less time to focus which makes it harder to get hits,” said JV Right Fielder Sean Cervantes (‘24).

The adjustment to the rules also changes game strategy. Players like Max Scherzer, a veteran starting pitcher on the New York Mets, have already changed their approach to use the pitch clock in a way that makes the batter uncomfortable.

“It is a new style of play. The game will definitely be different because new strategies will be involved to use the rules as an advantage,” said Mason Lyions (‘24).

MLB games appear to be about 20 minutes shorter than previous years after the new rules have been implemented in Spring Training games according to Beacon Journal. The new rules aim to make fans more interested and engaged in the game due to the quicker pace.

“I like the new rules. Baseball games usually last for too long and become boring. I think they will be more interesting now that they are going to be shorter and at a quicker pace, compared to the slow pace that it has always had,” said Kevan Mokashi (‘26).

Defensive shifts are used to defend a batter’s strong side more than his weaker side. It changes the amount of undefended gaps on the field where the batter is able to hit the ball, which are usually spots that are less likely to be hit to. The base sizes give infielders more room to get their foot on the bag and provides a shorter distance to run for the baserunner.

“I think that the base size is not a big deal and helps both offense and defense. Also, I feel like the defensive shifts should not be changed because it is a strategy of defense and is not very unfair, so change seems unnecessary,” said Andrew Lau (‘24).

Major League Baseball in 2023 is projected to be an unseen game style and a turning point in the sports’ history.

“Baseball will be noticeably different this year because of these rules and we’ll see if that is for better or worse,” said Lyions.