Spring training has given players, coaches and fans a look at the new rules that will be implemented in MLB for the 2023 season, and they have certainly received mixed reactions.
But The Athletic has learned that MLB’s competition committee discussed adjustments that could be made before Opening Day on Monday.
First, it should be noted that «big wholesale» changes won’t happen, MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said.
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Umpire Ángel Hernández watches as the Toronto Blue Jays play the Minnesota Twins in the sixth inning during their MLB game at Rogers Center on June 3, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
«If a little adjustment needs to be made, it can be done. I don’t think I’m going to see a big overall change of any kind,» Caplin said. via El Atlético.
The MLB Players Association has reportedly submitted some suggestions to the MLB regarding the rules, which include a shot clock that pitchers and batters must adhere to. Ultimately, it will be up to the commissioner’s office to implement those adjustments.
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When the new competition committee voted on the new rules last year, they initially faced backlash from player representatives. They weren’t about the shot clock or prohibiting defensive changes.
However, spring training games have shown that players are getting used to the new rules. The shot clock is effective, as The Athletic notes that it cuts an average of 25 minutes of play compared to the 2022 season.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center on July 24, 2022 in Cooperstown, New York. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
However, there have been times where players have raised concerns with the union about new rules affecting the game.
The Athletic broke them down because the 15-second shot clock is «too restrictive» with no runners on base, hitters don’t have enough time on the shot clock, and must get more than the eight seconds they need to be «pitcher alert.» «. , «players involved in defensive snaps at the end of the inning must have more time to get to the plate if they are next in that inning and batters must have more than one timeout per plate appearance.
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Sergio Alcantara #60 of the Chicago Cubs waits in the shot clock circle in the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers during a spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 7, 2023 in Surprise, Arizona. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
It is not clear what adjustments will be made, but they have already been incorporated into the league.
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Opening Day is set for March 30, which means MLB has a little over a week to make changes if necessary.