MLB will be instituting some rather major rule changes in 2023 and none will affect the game more than the defensive shift being banned. One such person who expects a big change in the game is former slugger Raul Ibanez. Ibanez is now the Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations for the MLB. His role requires him to know how rule changes will affect the on-field product.
The defensive shift is when position players move around the field to cover where the ball is most likely to be hit. Given the advancement of analytics, this has become a near-perfect way to defend against opposing player tendencies. Due to this, offense has seen a decline in recent seasons. The league hopes a boost to the offense will increase viewership.
Raul Ibanez shared his thoughts on a the Talkin’ Baseball podcast, a clip of which was shared to Twitter.
“It’s been the talking point for a while from a player perspective,” – Raul Ibanez
Ibanez had a 19-year career in the big leagues, playing primarily for the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, and Philadelphia Phillies. This experience makes him one of the most qualified people to predict how this rule change will impact the game. Ibanez has also worked in the front offices around the league, including winning the 2020 World Series thanks in part to the defensive shift.
Analysts like Mike Wilner are already predicting that left-handed hitters will be the primary beneficiaries of this rule change.
“I think every left-handed hitter will benefit from the shift being banned,” – Mike Wilner
This is a rule change that has been brewing for years, and we will finally get to see how it plays out in 2023.
The 2023 rule changes could radically alter the MLB landscape
MLB is showing good awareness of their fan base as they look for ways to increase offense. The difference will likely be seen almost immediately and could significantly alter the league.