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In this photo from March 11, 2019, Eric Hanhold (70) of the New York Mets gets set to deliver a pitch as the pitch clock counts down during the ninth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros at Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Rich Schultz/Getty Images/TNS)

   Major League Baseball has recently made new changes to their rules for the 2023 season. After a season of experimentation in the minor leagues, these new rules will be implemented during spring training as well as general season games. 

   One of the rules is the first ever pitch clock. Pitchers will have 15 seconds to throw a pitch with bases empty and 20 seconds with a runner on base. Hitters will have 8 seconds to step back into the box between each pitch.

   The clocks are located in each stadium behind home plate and in the outfield so both the pitcher and hitter can see them. Umpires will also be equipped with new technology that will let them know when the clocks expire.

   The next rule is that there will no longer be an infield shift. When the pitch is thrown, the infielders are required to be standing in the infield but after the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand, players can move.

   The shift change will hopefully raise the league wide batting average and allow for more hits. As of 2022, MLB’s batting average was .243, which was the lowest since 1968.

   A third change is dealing with pickoffs.The pitcher will now be allowed 2 pickoffs per plate appearance, but it resets if a runner advances within that same plate appearance.

   MLB also increased the base sizes from 15 inches to 18 inches. This is in hopes of reducing injuries and increasing stolen bases.

   These changes have intentions of improving baseball’s offense and safety, while also shortening game times.