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MLB attendance is dropping—these 3 major rule changes are designed to make baseball more exciting

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Major League Baseball has implemented a set of new rules that it hopes will shorten games, increase offense and create a more exciting product for fans.

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Jesse Rogers, ESPN Staff WriterMar 29, 2023, 04:30 PM ET

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Jesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com.

Change has come to the major leagues! We've had a full month of spring training games to see how the new rules that Major League Baseball's competition committee voted to implement last September have played out. Now, it's time to see those rules in action when it counts.

All of these rules have been in place in the minor leagues over the previous seasons, leading to wide-ranging changes in pace of play and on-field action. They include a first-ever pitch clock, the elimination of the shift, bigger bases and a limit to how many times a pitcher can disengage from the rubber.

Here's everything you need to know about the new rules, what they'll mean for the players and how the game is likely to change.

The shift

The new rule: At the time a pitch is thrown, all four infielders are required to be on the infield dirt (or infield grass) with two on each side of second base. Players will be able to move as soon as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Originally, infielders who began the game on one side of the field would not be allowed to switch to the other side for the entirety of the game, but that was revised to just each inning -- unless there's a mid-inning substitution. In other words, a player who starts an inning at first or second base has to remain on that side of the field for the whole inning but can switch to short or third base the next inning. If there's an injury mid-inning, then the infield can be reset.

How it will be enforced: If the hitting team reaches base and runners advance on a ball hit under the violation, the game proceeds without penalties. If the play has any other consequence -- an out, a sacrifice, etc. -- the hitting team can decide either to accept the penalty -- which would add one ball to the hitter's count -- or decline it, and the play would stand.

What they're trying to change: The leaguewide batting average was down to .243 in 2022, the lowest since 1968. A lack of singles in particular is at the heart of the decline, with 2022's rate of 5.33 per team the third lowest in MLB history -- and the 2021 and 2020 seasons filling the two spots ahead of it on the all-time list.

What it's meant in the minors: During the first two months of the 2022 minor league season, in the lower levels of the minors where shifts are regulated, the batting average on balls in play by left-handed hitters rose by eight points. At Triple-A -- where shifts are not banned -- it was up only three points.

What players are saying: It would be hard to find a hitter -- especially a left-handed one -- who isn't on board with eliminating the shift.

"Growing up, we never had that," Dodgers outfielder Joey Gallo said last season. "It's tough to adjust to it because it wasn't a thing in the minors. ... Over time, it's gotten more extreme and more effective. From a hitter's standpoint, it's something that could be changed."

Perhaps surprisingly, some pitchers are onboard with the move, as well.

"My biggest complaint about the shift is, how do you explain that to kids?" Phillies reliever David Robertson said. "What's the point of having a shortstop if he can't play shortstop?"

Pitch clock

The new rule: Pitchers will have 15 seconds to throw a pitch with the bases empty and 20 seconds with a runner on base. Hitters will need to be in the batter's box with eight seconds on the pitch clock.

How it will be enforced: If a pitcher has not started "the motion to deliver a pitch" before the expiration of the clock, he will be charged with a ball. If a batter delays entering the box, he will be charged with a strike.

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Each stadium will have two clocks located behind home plate on either side of the umpire while two more will be required in the outfield on either side of the batter's eye. Spring stadiums may only have one clock in the outfield but will otherwise be fitted to the exact parameters as the MLB ones. Each umpire will be equipped with technology which will inform them when the pitch clock has expired. And for the first time, umpires will also have the ability to speak with each other via communication devices without having to meet in the middle of the infield.

What they're trying to change: The average time of a nine-inning major league game in 2022 was 3 hours, 4 minutes, which is actually a six-minute decline from 2021's all-time high -- but the time of game has been rising consistently since first crossing the three-hour mark in 2014.

While it is not directly correlated, Statcast's pitch tempo tracker shows 110 pitchers averaged at least 20 seconds per pitch with the bases empty in 2022.

What it's meant in the minors: When stricter pitch clock enforcement -- based on a 14-second clock with the bases empty and an 18-second clock with runners on -- began in the minors earlier in 2022, the results were immediate. Over the first 132 minor league games under the new rules, the average game time was 2 hours, 39 minutes. That's 20 minutes shorter than the average time of a control set of 335 games run without the clock to begin the season (2 hours, 59 minutes) and 24 minutes shorter than the average of the 2021 season (3 hours, 3 minutes average).

What players are saying: There's been mixed reactions to the pitch clock, with veteran relievers worried about rushing through high-leverage situations. But many young players who have spent time in the minors during the past couple of seasons are already used to it. In addition to the new pickoff rules, which are tied to the pitch clock, this is bound to create the most debate among players.

Pickoffs

The new rule: Pickoffs are one version of a "disengagement," which consists of any time the pitcher makes a pickoff attempt, fakes a pickoff, or simply steps off the rubber for any reason, as well as when the defense requests time. Pitchers are allowed two disengagements per plate appearance without penalty. The disengagements rule resets if a runner or runners advance a base within the same plate appearance.

How it will be enforced: After a third step-off, the pitcher will be charged with a balk, unless at least one offensive player advances a base or an out is made on the ensuing play after the step off.

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What they're trying to change: A lack of action on the basepaths has been a concern of MLB's in recent attempts to improve the aesthetics of the sport, with stolen bases per team down to 0.51 per game in 2022 from 0.66 a decade ago. (In the 1980s and 1990s, stolen base rates hovered around the 0.75 range.)

What it's meant in the minors: In 2021, when the pickoff rules went into effect in Single-A and High-A, stolen base attempts skyrocketed. In 2022, as the rules expanded to every league, baseball saw big gains throughout the minors.

Bigger bases

The new rule: The size of bases will be increased from 15 inches to 18 inches.

What they're trying to change: The increase in the size of the bases should reduce injuries around them while increasing stolen base attempts.

What it's meant in the minors: In Triple-A, the first season of larger bases didn't create much of a change on its own -- but in the lower levels, bigger bases combined with rules about pickoffs saw large increases in steals per nine innings. Even combined with the disengagement rules, though, MLB doesn't believe either change will lead to teams being unable to control the run game. Injuries were reduced around the bag after the increase in the size of the bases was instituted in the minors.

Position players pitching

The new rule: Teams will be more limited in when they can pitch a position player. The previous rule allowed them to use one when up or down by six or more runs, but the sides are discussing a tweak in which the leading team would have to be up by as many as 10 or more while the trailing team would have to be down by eight or more in order to pitch a position player.

What they're trying to change: The league and now even the players agree that too many position players are taking the mound over the course of the season. In fact, players believe it's having a bigger and bigger impact on production, from offensive numbers to even defensive metrics -- all of which come into play during arbitration and free agency. In 2017, there were 32 instances of position players pitching in a game. Last season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, that number jumped to 132.

More questions? We've got you covered
Are catcher pickoff throws limited?
No. Catchers can throw down to any base as much as they want. The pitch clock then restarts as soon as the pitcher gets the ball back from an infielder.
Can a catcher hold onto the ball longer to give a pitcher more time?
No. Any attempt -- or at least repeated attempt -- will result in a warning and/or violation being called. Umpires have discretion here.
Is the distance from home to first and third base now shorter, or just first to second and second to third?
Yes, all baselines are shorter because the size of the base is now 3 inches square bigger than it was previously. That means first and third are that much closer to home plate.
When can a batter step out to reset the pitch clock?
Only when he calls timeout, which can happen once per plate appearance. A batter is allowed to step out of the box after any pitch as long as he's ready and alert to the pitcher with eight seconds remaining on the clock. To reset the clock, he has to use his timeout.
Can a fielder get a running start to beat the shift rules?
No, running starts won't be allowed. The fielder can move to the other side of second base only after the pitcher releases the ball. Violations will result in a ball being called. If the ball is put in play, however, the offensive team can choose to accept the result of the play.
Does a catcher get additional time to put his gear on and get to his position if he makes the final out of the inning?
Yes, umpires have discretion when it comes to all matters involving equipment or injury. Common sense will be used by umpires in those moments unless teams are clearly attempting to circumvent the rules.
What happens with the pitch clock after a foul ball when the outfielder has a long run to make?
Again, common sense will be used, but an outfielder doesn't have to be standing in a specific position for the umpire to start the clock. If he's a few steps from it and the pitcher has the ball, the clock will start.
Can a pitcher ask for a new ball?
Yes, but he must do so with at least eight seconds remaining on the clock. It's possible that repeated asks -- such as four or five in a row -- will result in a warning.
What's the catcher's responsibility in getting ready?
He must be in the box and ready to catch with at least nine seconds remaining on the clock.

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What you need to know about MLB's 2023 rule changes

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Major League Baseball is shaking up the way the game is played this season. We break down how the changes will impact the sport.

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Was there anything strange about the topic to you?

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Was there anything strange about the topic to you?

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This topic struck my attention, as it didn’t make sense to see these new changes. The game of baseball was perfectly fine before this, but would take a longer time to play a full 9-inning game. Although, these new changes were directed at making the game faster. But, these rules were a bit strange, as it allowed for a more complicated game, having to focus on both making a pitch in time, and also keeping an eye out for the runners on the base-path. The game because more confusing and difficult to play and watch, as there are more factors that you have to incorporate, and baseball is supposed to be a simple game that everyone can enjoy.

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I hope that after a few seasons of these new rules they will either change or revoke them, as they make the game less fun to watch. Putting a pitcher and batter in a stressful situation makes them nervous, but adding more stress into the at bat causes mass amount of nervousness and intensity. Baseball is not supposed to have tension build up, it is supposed to be a fun past time that all ages can watch and enjoy. If these new rules are revoked or change, it will lead to a less stressful game, and lead to more fun and exciting plate appearances and defensive plays through games.

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This struck my attention as these new rules led to a peak of attendance in the MLB. These new rules completely changed the game, as it allows for a fast-paced game. Although, these changes eliminate the lengthy games that have shocking endings. This may or may not be a benefit to the audience of baseball, as it could either lead to more attraction to the game since it is faster, or it will decline an audience as it eliminates the exciting and action-packed ends to a game. So far, the new rules have led to a 7-9% increase in audience numbers, so the new rules have been a benefit towards the game.

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In an effort to speed up the pace of play and make the game more enjoyable for fans, Major League Baseball is instituting this season its most significant set of rules changes since the adoption of the designated hitter.

The new rules impact almost every facet of the game - pitching, hitting, baserunning and fielding.

With spring training underway and the rules begin being enforced in actual games, USA TODAY takes a look at what the changes are, what they're trying to accomplish and what challenges they might present.
RELATED: NEWSLETTER: Sign up to get the latest sports news and stories sent to your inbox Major League Baseball rule changes in 2023 include pitch clock, banning the shift and bigger bases
FOLLOW THE MONEY: MLB player salaries and payrolls for every major league team

Reason for change: Last season, MLB teams positioned their infielders in an overshift (more than two fielders on one side of second base) on 33.6% of all plate appearances. The strategy was even more pronounced against left-handed batters (55.0%), which frequently resulted in those lefty hitters being thrown out on ground balls to the second baseman playing in short right field.

With the number of singles per game reaching an all-time low the past three seasons and the overall batting average (.243) at its lowest point since 1968, MLB wanted to see more balls in play turn into hits. Eliminating the overshift is expected to help, while at the same time require more athletic plays by infielders.

The new rule: At the start of each pitch, teams must have at least two infielders on either side of second base, with all four positioned on the infield dirt. Infielders may not switch positions unless there is a substitution.

Reason for change: The average time for a major league game last season was 3 hours, 6 minutes. That was down from the all-time high of 3:11 in 2021, but it still reinforced the perception that today's MLB games tend to have long stretches of inactivity.

To speed up the pace of the game, MLB wants to cut down on the number of times pitchers and batters are allowed to stop play.

The new rule: There is a 30-second timer between batters and a time limit between pitches. After receiving the ball from the catcher or umpire, pitchers are required to begin their motion within 15 seconds with the bases empty or within 20 seconds with runners on base. If they don't, they're charged with an automatic ball.

Hitters also share the responsibility to keep the game moving. They must be in the batter's box and ready for the pitch by the time the clock reaches 8 seconds. If not, they're charged with an automatic strike. A batter can call time out only once per plate appearance.

MLB's larger bases, baserunning rules

Reason for change: As the number of home runs has risen in recent years, stolen base attempts have declined as MLB teams tend to play for the big inning rather than a single run. But the anticipation of a stolen base adds extra excitement to the game that MLB would like to see return.

By making the bases slightly larger, a runner has less distance to cover to make it safely, thereby increasing the percentage of successfully stealing a base. Larger bases also help reduce the odds of injury from a collision between a fielder and a runner.

The new rules: The bases are now 18 inches square (previously 15 inches). That decreases the distance between first, second and third base by 4.5 inches. (Home plate - which stays the same size - to first base is 3 inches shorter.)

In addition, pitchers are limited to a maximum of two pickoff attempts per plate appearance. If a pitcher attempts a third pickoff throw and doesn't get the runner out, it's an automatic balk and all runners move up one base.

'Ghost runners' in extra innings

The existing rule: While it's not new in 2023, MLB did say this past offseason it was permanently implementing a provision in use since 2020 that every half inning after the ninth begins with a runner on second base.

Reason for change: The idea was first instituted in 2020 to cut down on long games and prevent pitchers being overused in the pandemic-shortened season. It added a new layer of strategy and increased scoring considerably in extra innings -- with teams and players overwhelmingly expressing their support for keeping it.

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What are MLB's new rules for 2023 season? Understanding the shift ban, pitch clock and more

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From banning the shift to pitch clocks to larger bases, MLB has a number of new rules this season. Here's what they're hoping to accomplish.

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This effects me because baseball is so fun to play and watch with my family, and we have a great time making long memories with these long and exciting games. Although, with these new rules, families will not be able to make as many memories because of the game being sped up. Also with these rules, people will not be unable to enjoy the games, as there are rules that limit and stop crucial parts in baseball. This includes stopping shifts, and limiting pitchers to 3 pickoffs or less. This really affected me because I love watching a long lasting game, with dozens of different plays, and changes throughout the game. A pickoff or shift really changes the game, and removing them causes the game to be boring.

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The pitch clock has been commissioner Rob Manfred 's pet project for years, and for good reason. Games have gotten longer and longer over the last 15 years, reaching an average of three hours in 2012 and never going back under the mark.

Average game length peaked in 2021 when it reached 3:11 before five minutes were shaved off last season. The development didn't change MLB's course. In September, the league announced the pitch clock was coming in 2023, upsetting devout purists who detest the idea of a clock dictating action on a baseball field.

But if last season's implementation across the minor leagues is any indication, the pitch clock should fulfill the league's mission to quicken games without much of a problem. But people in the industry believe it'll take time to become acclimated.

"I think the pitch clock is a real thing that people are going to have to adjust to," Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "I think there's a great unknown of who's going to be able to and who's not. For some guys it's going to be easy, and for others it's not."

The minor league version went like this: A 14-second timer between pitches with the bases empty was instituted across all levels. The timer increased to 18 seconds with a runner on base at every level but triple A where it was 19 seconds. There was also a 30-second timer between batters. The penalties were simple: An automatic ball if the pitcher didn't throw the pitch in time and an automatic strike if the hitter wasn't ready.

The timers shortened minor league games by 25 minutes last season - from 3 hours, 3 minutes in 2021 to 2 hours, 38 minutes.

"I saw it in Las Vegas [in triple A]," Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. "I've seen it work, though. It's pretty good. Las Vegas, I don't know if you've ever seen a game there, I think it's like 14-10 and the game was under three hours. It was amazing, the pace."

MLB's version in 2023 will be slightly different. There will be a 15-second timer between pitches with the bases empty and a 20-second clock with runners on base. Like the minors, there is a 30-second timer between batters.

"The pitch clock is something that I think the whole league is going to have to go through spring training with some focus," Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black said. "I think the pitchers will handle it, but the hitters having to be in the box with eight seconds left with the clock starting at 20 or starting with 15, all that time out of the box, fixing gloves and kicking cleats and looking at the third base coach, that's going to speed up on them. Those spring training games will be very, very important."

Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia was the team's slowest-paced pitcher last season, according to Baseball Savant. He ranked as the eighth-slowest pitcher with a median of 24.5 seconds between pitch releases, which isn't exactly how MLB's timer will work (the timer will start when the pitcher receives the throw from the catcher and end when he starts his delivery).

Left-hander José Suarez was the Angels' slowest pitcher at 22.1 seconds, ranking 32nd. Former Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen (25.6 seconds) was the third slowest in the majors.

"Pitch clock, I'm thrilled about it," Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "Speed the game up. They get too long. If we're playing the Red Sox or playing the Yankees, they turn into four-hour ballgames. I'm not really sure how it impacts our pitchers. They'll figure it out."

Said one American League executive: "Some players will complain about it at the beginning and then everyone will get used to it and like it. That's what always happens."

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How four rule changes will impact Major League Baseball in 2023

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A pitch clock, pickoff limit, the changing of shifts on defense and bigger bases could make for a different game in the upcoming season.

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Explaining pitch clock, defensive shifts, other MLB rule changes

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The 2023 MLB season kicks off with Opening Day on March 30. Baseball fans might notice some new rule changes this season.

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Major League Baseball is no stranger to change. In recent years, extra-innings rules have been adjusted. Enforcement of foreign substances have drastically increased. Pitching change rules have been instituted.

But starting in 2023, there are going to be some major changes that come up in the sport.

On Friday, MLB's competition committee voted to approve several rule changes that will significantly alter how the game is played. Pitchers are going to be timed, infields will no longer be able to shift and the bases are going to be larger, according to MLB.
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"These steps are designed to improve pace of play, increase action, and reduce injuries, all of which are goals that have overwhelming support among our fans," commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

Throughout the extensive testing of recent years, Minor League personnel and a wide range of fans - from the most loyal to casual observers - have recognized the collective impact of these changes in making the game even better and more enjoyable. We appreciate the participation of the representatives of the Major League Players and Umpires in this process.

While the rules were adopted, that doesn't mean everyone was happy about it. Members of the MLB Players Association unanimously voted against the rule changes. However, since they have four seats with MLB having six and umpires having one, their unanimous dissent did not impact the result.

Statement on Competition Committee vote pic.twitter.com/8176xAwPZT
- MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) September 9, 2022

These changes are going to produce a game that looks significantly different in 2023. The Sporting News is here to help sort out what to expect from each of these changes, per information from MLB.com.

MLB rule changes, explained

Ban on shifts

In terms of the visual of the sport, this will be the most striking. Fans have grown accustomed to seeing three infielders to the left of the second base bag when left-handed batters like Joey Gallo, Corey Seager and Kyle Schwarber step up to the plate. That will no longer be permitted.

Under the new rules, infields will be required to have two infielders on either side of second base, and they will not be allowed to switch sides during the game. Those infielders also must have both feet completely within the dirt of the infield. In other words, no more standing in shallow right field to keep the ball in front of the defender.

If an infield violates this rule during an at-bat, the batter will be awarded a ball to the count, unless the batter reaches base in some way during the play. Should the batter put the ball in play for a sacrifice fly or bunt, the manager of the hitting team can determine whether they would like the batter to return to the box with a ball added to the count or accept the sacrifice.
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Shift rule enforcement can be challenged by managers.

Over the past several years, the deployment of the shift has drastically gone up. Back in 2015, teams used the shift only 9.6 percent of the time. That number has been well over 30 percent since 2020, and has been used in 34.6 percent of plate appearances in 2022, per Baseball Savant. In years where shift usage is higher, batting average on balls in play (BABIP) has tended to be lower.

Pitch clock

MLB is always looking to find ways to improve pace of play, and the pitch clock is certainly aimed toward changing exactly that.

Pitchers will now have 20 seconds to pitch with runners on base and only 15 with the bases empty, with the timer starting as soon as the pitcher has the ball in hand. Catchers have to be behind the plate ready for a pitch with at least nine seconds left on the timer.

The clock will have 30 seconds during batting changes and two minutes and 15 seconds when an inning break or pitching change is made. Violations of the clock will result in an automatic ball if the violation is on the pitcher.

But that isn't all that comes with this rule change. Pickoff attempts are going to be closely monitored moving forward. No longer will pitchers be able to throw over to first on five straight attempts. Now, pitchers can step off twice to attempt a pickoff move, which would then reset the clock to 20 seconds. On a third attempt, however, an out has to be recorded in some fashion, or the pitcher will be called for a balk. The only exception to this will be if the runner still advances on the third pickoff try. This resets to two pickoff attempts if the runner advances during a plate appearance.
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That rule won't just apply to pickoff attempts, either. Pitchers stepping off the rubber to re-adjust or take a breather will also be limited to just twice per plate appearance. Pitchers asking for a new baseball should do so before the clock reaches the nine-second mark, or they will be charged for disengaging from the mound.

MLB had already instituted a rule that limited teams to just one mound visit per pitcher per inning unless the second is to remove a pitcher from the game. Now, those visits will be timed for 30 seconds, starting from when a coach, catcher or either position player leaves their spot to reach the pitcher. Umpires can provide extensions on the team if the pitcher is dealing with an injury, and if the trainer comes out, there is an unlimited timer. The clock can reset to 20 seconds if, for example, a catcher goes out to visit with the pitcher, and then a coach decides to head out after the clock had already begun to run down. Additional mound visits will now be permitted in the ninth inning.

This isn't all about the pitcher, however. Batters have to be standing in the box and ready for a pitch with at least eight seconds left on the clock, and they can only ask for time once during a plate appearance. Batters who aren't ready for a pitch within eight seconds or who ask for time to step out a second time will receive automatic strikes. Batter walk-up music also will only be able to last 10 seconds, at the most.

Pace of play has become more of a concern for the sport in recent years, as the average length of a game has now exceeded three hours. Even as recently as the mid-2000s, games averaged only around two hours and 40 minutes.

Larger bases

Perhaps a more minor change, but bases will now be 18 square inches rather than 15 square inches as they have been in recent years.

Why bigger bases? The goal is to both promote player safety and help create more offense. With the bigger base, runners and fielders have more room to share the base without as much risk of players stepping on one another or colliding while trying to make a play or reach base safely.

In addition, the larger bases should, in theory, encourage more base stealing in the majors. While there was not much of a change at Triple-A in 2021, when the bases were installed, the larger base gives the baserunner technically a slightly shorter path to the base and gives them more space to reach the base when sliding.

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MLB rule changes, explained: Pitch clock, shift ban and more coming to baseball in 2023 | Sporting News

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MLB's competition committee voted to approve a list of changes to the sport, already setting up next year's game to look quite different than past years.