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When the 2023 MLB season arrives, there will be some big differences from '22 and other recent years. The league’s 30 teams will be playing more balanced schedules, and several rule changes are likely to impact play.
Earlier this week, Orioles general manager Mike Elias and the rest of baseball’s GMs were in Las Vegas for the annual General Managers Meetings. While there, Elias shared some of his thoughts on the upcoming changes with reporters, including MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Here’s how Elias sees the O’s being impacted by each of the changes coming in 2023.
Balanced schedule
New rule: Every MLB team will play a series against each of the league’s 29 other teams. As a result, the number of divisional games drops from 76 to 52. So Baltimore will face its American League East rivals much less.
Elias: “I do think it should particularly help us. Our division is brutal. We have three gigantic global cities with bigger resources [Boston, New York, Toronto]. We have like the smartest-run organization in the sport [Tampa Bay]. And then those other three are run very well, too, and they all have strong farm systems.
"So the less we can play those guys, I think we should maybe get a small boost in the standings from it, theoretically. But also, it is kind of grueling, just like, ‘Ah, Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays,’ it’s a lot. So I think we’re looking forward to the variety, and then also obviously the three Wild Cards benefit the teams that are in the tougher divisions more than most. So I think we’re probably toward the top of the list of teams that should benefit from the rule change.”
No more shifts
New rule: Four players must be on the infield dirt, with two completely on each side of second base.
Elias: “I think [it impacts the offseason market] less than everybody thinks. Good players are still good players. Look, I think the elimination of the Ted Williams shift -- it benefits left-handed hitters, period. Everybody’s going to see that.”
Bigger bases
New rule: The size of the bases at first, second and third will be 18 inches square, increased from 15.
Elias: “We expect some increase in stolen bases. I think that’s good for our current roster composition. With Cedric Mullins and Jorge Mateo ... they were one and two in the AL in steals, so getting a couple extra steals out of those guys should be nice. And I think [catcher Adley] Rutschman should be able to handle himself with an increased running game.”
Pitch clock
New rule: Between batters, there will be a 30-second timer. Between pitches, there will be a 15-second timer when the bases are empty and a 20-second timer when runners are on.
Elias: “As a fan and a former scout, I’m very much looking forward to the pitch clock. Hopefully it works.”