In 2023, we saw several fairly significant changes being introduced to the MLB rules, changes which were intended to energize the game and reduce the duration of matches. Whether it’s expanding the bases, limiting special defenses or reducing the frequency of throws to first base from the pitcher to pin a runner, there have been several.
However, there was also another quite substantial one: the introduction of the pitcher dial, which was directly aimed at speeding up the pace of the game. The principle was simple: no more than 30 seconds between two at-bats, no more than 15 seconds between two throws with the bases empty and no more than 20 seconds between two throws if there were one or more runners on the trails.
There were people who didn’t like it, but after a little while, the change wasn’t even apparent to many fans. Overall it was a success.
However, the figures compiled by the MLB showed that as the season progressed, the duration of matches began to increase by a few minutes again, and the league (via its “competition committee” made up of team representatives , players and a referee) seems to want to reframe the shot.
And one of the solutions considered is to reduce the duration of the dial when there is action on the trails. Currently 20 seconds, the league is considering increasing it to 18 seconds, from the start of the 2024 season.
This is what Jeff Passan of the ESPN network reports.
This is not the only measure that is being studied: the league is also considering reducing the maximum number of visits to the mound permitted in a game. The current limit is five, but it could increase to four.
That said, these are not necessarily measures that are unanimous: some players have expressed reservations, particularly due to the explosion of injuries suffered by pitchers this season. The fact that the dial rushes the action could be to blame, and reducing the dial even further could be problematic.
The players, however, would not be against the idea in the event that the 15-second clock with empty goals was extended a bit, but the league really does not seem open to the idea. Remember that in certain development circuits, there is a universal dial of 17 seconds regardless of the situation, which could be an alternative.
The league may be treading into dangerous territory with these new measures. I understand the desire to want to reduce the length of matches, but is it worth putting the guys’ health at risk to save a few minutes?
There was abuse in recent years, and the dial introduced this year was a good compromise. However, if we continue to reduce the duration, there could be an element of risk which would be added to all of this for gains which, overall, would be quite minimal.
So we’ll see if the changes are ultimately adopted, but the pitcher dial could be even faster this season. I really wonder if players will dare to express their discomfort with this change (if there is any discomfort, obviously).
