MLB's Morgan Sword:  "It's probably the biggest change that's been made in baseball in most of our lifetimes"

MLB is making a conscious effort to improve the game with a list of new rules that will be implemented next season. The goal is to speed up the game and improve the overall experience for fans. One rule in particular could have a major impact on players and coaches.

Perhaps the most impactful rule change in decades is the decision to add a pitch clock, similar to the shot clock used in the NBA. MLB's EVP of Baseball Operations Morgan Sword spoke about how the change will affect players and the game in general:

"It's probably the biggest change that's been made in baseball in most of our lifetimes"

Per a recent ESPN piece by Jeff Passan, Sword confirmed that the league plans on enforcing the rule strictly. Pitchers can expect to see many more balks called in 2023. Certain pitchers will have difficulty adjusting to the rushed format. Others, will welcome the change.

"Even the people in baseball who have pushed hardest for sweeping rule changes understand. This won’t be easy. And this won’t always be picturesque. That's why you can expect this spring to look like a s— show. @jaysonst explains:" - The Athletic MLB

Over the previous seasons, MLB has done its best to get fans back into the ballpark. One example was the idea of putting a runner on base if a game extends into extra innings. Another the concept of the universal DH. The league will now add some additional rule changes, including bigger bases and prohibiting the shift.

MLB fans will likely see a rise in balks in the upcoming season

Home plate umpire Cory Blaser talks with pitcher Alex Colome of the Colorado Rockies after giving up a balk at Chase Field

The balk was put in place to prevent the pitcher from deceiving the baserunner. If a pitcher makes an illegal motion on the mound prior to pitching, it can lead to a balk. That in turn allows baserunners to move up a base.

"Richard Bleier just gave up a 2 out run on THREE BALKS. Never Seen this before" - Starting 9

Major League Baseball plans to enforce the new rules strictly next season. The league will use 2023 as a trial run and hopes that the changes will improve the viewer and player experience.