Opinion: The 2023 Rule Change That Irritates Me The Most

By Lily Belcher

In case you’ve been living under a rock this offseason, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred gave the okay for a number of rule changes with the intention of shortening game times and increasing the exciting offensive production even non-baseball fans can appreciate.

Fine. I won’t object. I’ll admit to liking bases-loaded innings and stolen bases. But, it’s frustrating to think that a tight game can be lost on a called third strike because the batter stepped into the batter’s box at seven seconds rather than eight. Or that a pitcher can be called on a balk if they miss their third pick off attempt. Or that position players will not get to pitch as often (which was one of my favorite parts of the game).

Even so, I’m willing to accept the pitch clock or bigger bases (I guess if it's supposed to reduce injuries, I won't object).

The one rule I can’t get behind yet is the ban on shifts.

Yes, MLB is banning defensive shifts. Even if that takes away all the strategy out of the game.

Per the new “Defensive Shift Limits” rule, there must be at least four infielders (defensemen with at least one foot in the clay) and two players must be on either side of second base ahead of the pitch.

Gone are the days of putting seven guys between first and second because a righty can’t pull the ball. It also prevents the popular “fourth outfielder” spot adopted by an infielder against strong hitters.

The rule is basically eliminating all defensive strategy and forcing each infielder to make crazy, diving catches (if they can) that could have been defended by a teammate.

The shift ban, like bigger bases and limited pick off attempts/disengagements, gives the advantage to the batter. It calls for more offense in the form of extra base hits and stolen bases.

…This seems to go against MLB’s goal to decrease game times because more offensive production will obviously lead to longer innings…but, okay…

Managers, like Kevin Cash, are having to find a loophole to defend against lop-sided hitters. Cash inquired about putting a player “in motion,” letting a shortstop move to the right side of second when the pitcher releases the ball. Managers can also pull in an outfielder, who aren’t limited by the shift-ban.

Essentially, infielders are confined to their quarter of the base path, but outfielders can run wild. It could be interesting the first few weeks, but I imagine it will be annoying for both fans and players who can no longer implement strategy in their jobs.