MLB is implementing a set of new rules for the 2023 season.
Pitchers and batters will both have a clock to start their motion or be ready at the plate, depending on the case.
There will be no infield shifts, as the league determined that there would need to be two infielders on each side of second base at all times.
The “ghost runner” rule used in the 2020 season will return in 2023 and beyond: there will be an automatic runner at second base at the start of every extra inning.
There will also be restrictions to use position players on the mound.
One of the least discussed changes, however, are the largest bases.
MLB will increase the size of the bases from 15 to 18 inches in width, in order to somewhat diminish leg injuries and to incentivize baserunning and stolen bases.
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora sounded off on the size of the new bases.
“’The bases, they’re the bases. Wait till you see them, they look like a pizza box to be honest with you.’ — Alex Cora on the enlarged bases in 2023,” MLB.com’s Ian Browne, who has covered the Red Sox for 20 years, tweeted.
“The bases, they’re the bases. Wait till you see them, they look like a pizza box to be honest with you.” — Alex Cora on the enlarged bases in 2023.
—Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) February 14, 2023
That’s actually a fun comparison that may not be that far from reality.
Of course, it depends on the size of the pizza you are going to get!
If the large bases will help decrease the number of freak injuries that occur on rundowns and races to the bases between the fielder and the runner, then we will welcome them with open arms.
We really hope that’s the case.
NEXT:
Red Sox Executive Comments On The State Of The Club
