On the 9th, the major league organization announced rule changes such as setting a time limit between pitchers' pitches to be introduced from next season and prohibiting extreme defensive shifts.
According to the major league organization, among the new rules that will be introduced from next season, the rule called "pitch clock" to be set between pitchers' pitches is that the pitcher must keep the pitch within 15 seconds if there are no runners and 20 seconds if there are runners. You must start the pitching motion, and if you violate it, one ball will be added.
The batter must keep his attention on the pitcher with 8 seconds left in the time limit, or one strike will be awarded.
The time that can be taken while at bat is limited to only one time.
The pitcher's number of checks is also limited, and if a third check fails in one at-bat, a balk is called and the runner is allowed to move to the next base.
According to the major league organization, the minor leagues, which have already implemented these new rules, have shortened their game time by an average of 26 minutes compared to last season.
The ban on extreme defensive shifts also stipulated that four infielders should be placed two on each side of second base.
As a result, shifts to protect the infield with 5 people and shifts of 4 outfields against strong hitters are prohibited.
In addition, the size of the base has been changed from 15 inches square to 18 inches square, which is about 7.6 centimeters larger.
The distance between the first and second bases and the distance between the second and third bases is about 11.4 centimeters shorter than before, which is expected to prevent injuries to players and increase the number of stolen bases.
The major league organization hopes that these rule changes will increase the pace of the game and increase play with movement, which will lead to the acquisition of new fans.