NEW rules 2024
Hitters will have more room when they're trying to beat out an infield single in 2024. MLB has widened the runner's lane between home plate and first base and it now includes the dirt between the foul line and infield grass.
In addition to the wider path between home and first, MLB is planning to "strictly enforce" another base-running rule in 2024. Umpires this season are set to crack down on the obstruction rule, which states infielders are not allowed to block a runner's path to a base. This will mostly impact plays near second and third base, and in the event that the umpire deems a baserunner has been obstructed by a fielder, the runner will be called safe.
MLB is making rule changes that cover pitching changes and mound visits in 2024.
- Mound visits: Every team will have four mound visits per game with their pitchers, down from five trips in 2023. An extra mound visit, however, will be issued for the ninth inning if the defensive team has no visits remaining at the end of the eighth inning.
- Batters faced requirement: The three-batter minimum remains in effect in 2024, meaning a pitcher must face at least three batters or end a half-inning before a team can make another pitching change. There is a new tweak to the rule in 2024, too. If a pitcher warms up on the mound before an inning, that pitcher must now face at least one batter (in addition to meeting requirements of the three-batter minimum), barring injury. MLB says there were 24 instances of a pitcher warming up between innings and not facing a batter in 2023.
Yes, the ghost runners are still here in 2024. In the 10th inning or later, teams will begin each half-inning with a runner on second base. This rule is not used in the postseason.
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