MLB has announced new rules for their minor league systems. These experimental playing rules have been approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee. MLB will closely monitor
and analyze the impact of each rule change throughout the 2021 season. They will report to Clubs on their effects for further analysis. Consistent with the preferences of our fans, the rule changes being tested in the minors are designed to increase action on the basepaths, create more balls in play, improve the pace and length of games, and reduce player injuries.
Triple A System
From the official press release: “To reduce player injuries and collisions, the size of first, second and third base will be increased from 15 inches square to 18 inches square. The Competition Committee also expects the shorter distances between bases created by increased size to have a modest impact on the success rate of stolen base attempts and the frequency with which a batter-runner reaches base on groundballs and bunt attempts.”
Double A System
From the official press release: “The defensive team must have a minimum of four players on the infield, each of whom must have both feet completely in front of the outer boundary of the infield dirt. Depending on the preliminary results of this experimental rule change, MLB may require two infielders to be positioned entirely on each side of second base in the second half of the Double-A season. These restrictions on defensive positioning are intended to increase the batting average on balls in play.”
Minors Rule Change Overview
I think the MLB is trying to do the right thing. They want to improve player safety while making the game a little more entertaining. They think these rules changes will help. It will remain unclear if they do help or not. I give them credit for trying to change some things in the minors. It should be interesting to watch and see how the players react.
