The rule changes proposed and approved by MLB and the Players Association are a hot topic at the start of spring training.
Everybody is talking about the new bases, the shift ban, and the pitch clock; not to mention the ghost runner and the restrictions to pitch imposed to position players.
These have been eventful days in the league, and many training camps are already working under the new rules.
We have seen the pitch clock in bullpen sessions so hurlers can get used to it.
Now, we get to take a look at the new bases.
MLB revealed larger 18×18 bases to debut this season.
📸: @Jack_A_Harris pic.twitter.com/LhuY7MyalS
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 14, 2023
The difference is not as much as some parody Twitter accounts have been posting these days, but it’s notable, and considerable.
The bases used to be 15 square inches, but they are now 18.
Over the years, lots of players have gotten injured in close plays at first base, mostly, but also at second, third, or home plate.
It often happens that the fielder touches the base and the runner steps on the fielder’s leg, potentially injuring both of them.
Because of that, MLB decided to implement larger bases, to somewhat eliminate part of the risk.
There was an additional reason, too: the league wants more action on the basepaths and they think the larger bases might invite runners to attempt more stolen bases.
Both realities should present themselves with the large bases: fewer base running injuries and more stolen base attempts.
Among the changes implemented by MLB, though, the bigger bases have been met with little resistance.
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