The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

Introduction

By Sophia, The Sports Buff columnist

2024 is fast approaching us! That means it is time to introduce new rules for the 2024 MLB season? I guess so. Want to read more? Just read more down below.

What Are The Rule Changes Rob Manfred Is Making?

Rob Manfred and the MLB Competition Committee approved 4 rules changes for this season. The rule changes are…

News: MLB competition committee approves changes for the 2024 season including:
-18 sec clock with runners on
-4 mound visits, down from 5
-If a P starts to warm up before an inning, he must face at least one hitter.
-The runner’s lane to first has been widened to the inf grass

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) December 21, 2023

What Are The Problems With These Rule Changes?

There are multiple problems with these rule changes.

First, I will address the problem with the 18-second clock with runners on base. The problem with this rule is when the pitcher has to pitch, they are going to have to be ready much faster. Most pitchers like to take their time but since last year they have not been able to do that and now with speeding the clock up even more really doesn’t allow them to take their time.

Next, I will address the problem with the 4 mound visits. Over the years, teams have had 5 or more mound visits, but now they are saying 5 is too many and taking it down to 4. The problem with that is with the pitch clock, sometimes pitchers can get stressed out multiple times and the catcher will go out and visit with the pitcher to give him a breather. Other times, the pitching coach will want to go out and talk to the pitcher if he feels like it is needed. Lastly, the manager will go out to take out the pitcher and bring in a new pitcher. Now you can only do that 4 times during the whole duration of the game.

Now I will address the problem with rule number 3 which is if a pitcher warms up before an inning he must face one batter. Even if a pitcher warms up, he is still going to have to face a minimum of three batters in the inning. So now you are going to make the pitcher possibly pitch to a batter before an inning too. So now you are making a pitcher face 4 batters minimum instead of three.

Lastly, I will address the rule with the widened running lane. The problem with this is if the pitcher has a bad aim and hits you while you are running, you are out.

WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK ABOUT THE 2024 RULE CHANGES NOW THAT THEY ARE CONFIRMED?