Hunt and Peck

MLB proposes some possible new rules changes - A Hunt and Peck

Nothing is set yet, though.

By lil_scooter93 Feb 7, 2019, 4:00pm EST

MO: Los Angeles Dodgers v St. Louis Cardinals, Game 3

Per tradition for this time of year Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association are discussing potential rule changes to make the game safer, quicker, and/or more interesting, I guess. The main rule change proposed every year, of course, is centered around the National League adopting the Designated Hitter. Lately a lot of the rules have been about pace of play: adding a pitch clock, limiting time between innings, etc. Here is a list of some proposals, per Jeff Passan of ESPN:

A three-batter minimum for pitchers

A universal designated hitter

A single trade deadline before the All-Star break

A 20-second pitch clock

The expansion of rosters to 26 men, with a 12-pitcher maximum

Draft advantages for winning teams and penalties for losing teams

A study to lower the mound

A rule that would allow two-sport amateurs to sign major league contracts

There are a few interesting things going on here. Draft advantages and penalties for winning and losing teams seems completely contrary to how the draft is currently constructed. A three batter minimum for pitchers just seems plumb unnecessary. Two-sport amateurs being allowed to sign major league contracts would give baseball a better chance at signing more talent. Do they really need to lower the mound? I guess a study will tell us! There is a lot to talk about with this. I’ll leave y’all to it.

Sources: MLB and players discussing rule changes that could alter game | ESPN

Let’s Talk About a Bunch of Proposed Changes to Baseball | FanGraphs Baseball