In early February, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that MLB and the Players’ Union are discussing a handful of drastic changes to the game that could be implemented as soon as 2019. The eight main proposals, according to Passan, are as follows (the ones we’re discussing in this Part 1 post are in bold):
- 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
Passan also mentioned one more in his article:
- Ending Spring Training games after 10 innings and using the All-Star Game to test potential extra inning rules
Furthermore, back in late January, Ronald Blum of the Associated Press reported two more proposals from the league.