MLB Extra Innings Rule: Analyzing how new 'Ghost Runner' change will affect the outcome of games

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has announced that a rule temporarily enacted during the pandemic is here to stay. The official rule change is the newest tweak to pro baseball that fans can expect next year.

The "Ghost Runner" rule was enacted in 2020. Under the rule, each team starts every extra inning of play with a runner on second base. The rule was originally brought in to expediate offensive run production and avoid games lasting 16 innings.

The "Ghost Runner" is the brainchild of MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. As such, the extra runner has also been called the "Manfred Man". The league finalized their decision in early February following a unanimous vote by the 11-person competition committee, which was formed as a result of the lockout settlement prior to last season.

"God, I absolutely HATE this extra-innings “ghost runner” BS, and now @MLB makes it permanent. How do you folks feel about this one?" - Phillies Bell

The league understands that lengthy games pose difficulty from a logistical and fan engagement standpoint. As part of the announcement, Manfred also stated that there will also be new limitations on position players pitching.

Under the new rules, position players will only be permitted to take the mound when their team is either down by at least eight or ahead by at least 10 in the ninth inning or later.

Since the league adopted the "Ghost Runner" rule in 2020, the average length of games has gone down. 2021 was the first full season with the new rule in place, and saw only one game exceed 16 innings. 2019, the last season before the changes were enacted, saw eight games exceed 16 innings of play.

"Here’s a game where the Yankees had a ghost runner, had two 2 batter innings, and lost at 2:21 AM" - Phill

The longest game of the 2022 season was a 15-inning affair between the Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins. This is already an improvement, as the longest game of 2019 saw the Colorado Rockies emerge victorious after 18 innings.

MLB making "Ghost Runner" rule permanent is the latest in a slew of new rules

After the 2022 season was nearly canceled, the league has resolved to be more open with owners and the MLBPA. As such, they have committed to enacting several different rules in 2023 such as a pitch clock, restrictions on shifts, and larger bases. These rules are part of an overall plan by the MLB to increase run production, which will ultimately keep fans coming.