Major League Baseball implemented three reforms to create a much more passionate game with more balls in play.
Creating a clock as pitchers have only 15 seconds with empty bases and 20 seconds with a runner on base to initiate their swing or award a ball to the batter.
This new regulation will shorten the games by an average of 30 minutes.
speed on the trails
The pitcher has only two attempts to knock out the runner with a gesture toward base or simply taking his foot off the plate per batter. Otherwise, it’s a bar that allows the runner to advance a base.
The cushions were also enlarged, reducing the distance between the first and second bases and between the second and third bases by 4.5 inches.
We also want to avoid injuries. Last year, minor baseball saw a 13% decrease in injuries and a 26% increase in attempted robberies.
The Jays have improved
Special defense will be eliminated because, beginning this season, two infielders must be positioned on either side of second base when the field is released. The restrictions will increase batting average, especially for lefties.
The Jays added lefties Kevin Kiermaier, Brandon Belt and Daulton Varsho. The latter hit 27 home runs last year.
The initial pitching rotation of Cy Young Trophy contenders Alex Manoah, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi is like any other in Major League Baseball.
The Jays can count on Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson to finish games.
The key players
Bo Bichette has the potential to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases. Why will there be so many stolen bases? The new dimension of the bases has shortened the distance that the runners have to cover.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. needs a 40 home run season and 100+ RBIs to get the Blue Jays into the World Series.
Yes, you read that right, I picked the Jays to face the Padres in the World Series. I’m more confident than usual because my colleagues Denis Casavant and Karl Gélinas made the same predictions as me.
