MLB rumors: Major rule changes to DH, trade deadline, others being proposed

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The way Major League Baseball is played, managed and watched could all be quite different in the near future if the substantial rule changes being discussed by the league and the MLB players' union are enacted.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported on many potential changes that could be coming, and there are some very interesting ones. Here's his summary:

Dueling proposals from MLB on Jan. 14 and the union on Friday covered a wide range of topics, according to sources. Among them include:

  • A three-batter minimum for pitchers

  • A universal designated hitter

  • A single trade deadline before the All-Star break

  • A 20-second pitch clock

  • The expansion of rosters to 26 men, with a 12-pitcher maximum

  • Draft advantages for winning teams and penalties for losing teams

  • A study to lower the mound

  • A rule that would allow two-sport amateurs to sign major league contracts

One of the most notable rule changes would be a universal DH, meaning both the American and National Leagues would use the designated hitter. This would be a huge shift for the NL, where teams often used small-ball tactics to overcome the pitcher having to hit. 

A couple of these proposed changes also could speed up the game. Pace of play is a frequent discussion for a league trying to capture a younger audience that views baseball as too slow and/or boring. A 20-second pitch clock would be great for making the game move a lot faster.

The most impactful rule change probably is the three-batter minimum for pitchers. This rule would prevent managers from bringing in a certain reliever to face just one particular batter -- a situation we often see, especially in the postseason. A batter-minimum for pitchers also could speed up the game by eliminating a few pitching changes and trips to the mound in the later innings.

Baseball often is resistant to change, but many of these new rules would improve the quality of the game and make it a little more challenging to manage, all of which could create a more exciting and faster-moving product for fans to enjoy.

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