GLOSSARY
2023 RULE CHANGES AT A GLANCE
In September 2022, Major League Baseball announced three rule changes that were approved by the League¡¯s Competition Committee. The rules were adopted after extensive testing at the Minor League level over a several-year period and with feedback from MLB player and umpire representatives.
Collectively MLB adopted these rules in an effort intended to give players more room to operate and to avoid collisions; to increase the batting average on balls in play; to allow infielders to better showcase their athleticism and to restore more traditional outcomes on batted balls; and to create a quicker pace of play.
Inside the rule changes
Traditionally 15 inches square, bases will now be 18 inches square. Home Plate will remain unchanged.
The four infielders must be within the boundary of the infield when the pitcher is on the rubber, and infielders may not switch sides.
Between pitches, a 15-second timer will be in place with the bases empty and a 20-second timer with runners on base.