Minor leagues to have experimental rule changes this season
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Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has seemingly entertained every proposal to change the game, but this year, he will actually experiment with some of those rules in minor league games. On Wednesday, MLB announced several experimental rule changes in the minors, with the expectation that if successful, some could be incorporated into the big leagues. Here’s a rundown of some of the changes:
Larger bases (Triple-A only)
The size of first, second, and third base will be increased from 15 inches square to 18 inches square. The Competition Committee thinks this could lead to greater success on steals and more runners beating out infield hits. Baseball is also looking to reduce injuries and collisions, such as baserunners accidentally (or intentionally) spiking first basemen as they run by.