Reports today from ESPN’s Jeff Passan that owners and the MLB Players Association are talking about changes to the game. According to Passan, the topics under discussion included the following:
- A three-batter minimum for pitchers
- A universal designated hitter
- A single trade deadline before the All-Star break
- A 20-second pitch clock
- The expansion of rosters to 26 men, with a 12-pitcher maximum
- Draft advantages for winning teams and penalties for losing teams
- A study to lower the mound
- A rule that would allow two-sport amateurs to sign major league contracts
- Ken Rosenthal of The Atlantic also reports a reduction in the number of mound visits has been proposed.