It looks like the shift will be no more starting next season. According to Jon Heyman, the MLB competition committee has approved the implementation of a pitch clock and the banning of shifts, and MLB has approved larger bases in a vote of the competition committee.
The MLBPA put out a statement in response to these new changes.
“Players live the game – day in and day out. On-field rules and regulations impact their preparation, performance, and ultimately, the integrity of the game itself. Player leaders from across the league were engaged in on-field rules negotiations through the Competition Committee, and they provided specific and actionable feedback on the changes proposed by the Commissioner’s Office. Major League Baseball was unwilling to meaningfully address the areas of concern that Players raised, and as a result, Players on the Competition Committee voted unanimously against the implementation of the rules covering defensive shifts and the use of a pitch timer.”
More to come…
