MLB on the verge of rules changes for 2017

The MLB is looking for ways to speed up the game, and these proposed rule changes may just be the beginning.

In a move that’s sure to raise the ire of pitchers, the MLB announced they were on the verge of altering the strike zone and amending the intentional walk rule. Jayson Stark of ESPN was first to report the news Friday night. Stark reports that the rules committee agreed to the potential measurable changes at Major League Baseball’s owner meetings this week.

Just to add a little excitement to this drama, the potential changes could take place as early as next season.

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According to MLB.com the current strike zone has been intact since 1996 when the rules committee agreed to move the lower part of the zone from the top of the batters knees to the bottom of the batters knees. Now, in a stunning turn of events, the rules committee wants to revert back to the pre 1996 version of the rule and raise the lower end of the zone to the top part of the batters knees. The strike zone is defined as the volume of space above home plate and between the batter’s knees and the mid-point of their torso.

Of course, whether or not a pitch has travelled through the desired zone is strictly left to the discretion of each individual umpire. Stark believes the inconsistency of the rule led to the willingness of the committee to pass the motion.

Raising the zone to the top of the batter’s knees will result in the pitchers need to elevate their pitches on a regular basis, which could result in hitters increasing their chances to lift the ball into the air with greater ease. Initially the new rule might cause some serious discomfort for pitchers accustomed to working the ball low in the zone, but ultimately this should lead to conformity among the umpires and contribute to a more consistent flow to each contest.

When asked about the changes that lie ahead for the intentional walk rule, Stark went on to write:

The change in the intentional-walk rule would end the traditional practice of requiring the pitcher to lob four balls outside the strike zone. Instead, a team could signify it wants to issue an intentional walk, and the hitter would be immediately sent to first base, sources said.

Baseball purists will fight this change with fury because requiring the pitchers to make the four pitches necessary for the walk could lead to a mistake that could impact the game. If you’ve watched baseball closely for any length of time you can verify the merit here. There have been numerous occasions where a wild pitch has occurred during an intentional walk. But ultimately this comes down to a time issue and that’s what’s important to the current commissioner. Pace of play is paramount in modern-day baseball and these rules are designed to help guide this idea along.

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There’s quite a bit of information to process with this decision, but it seems that Major League Baseball is ready to take America’s pastime into a new era.