MLB Rule Changes for 2020 Explained

It's the most exciting time of the year for baseball fans! There is is a palpable buzz in the air as pitchers and catchers report this week. With that comes a new wave of hope, expectation, and confidence in the roster that each GM has put forth.

In 2020, those rosters may be shaped a little differently, however. Rob Manfred has finally, officially announced the new sweeping changes forthcoming for the new MLB season. How will this affect teams in their attempt to build a World Series-winning roster? Let's explore each new rule and break it down.

MLB Three-Batter Minimum Explained

Gone are the days where the manager could pick a specialist pitcher to come in (typically a left-hander) and attempt to get one batter out before exiting the game. Now, pitchers must face a minimum of three unique batters, or escape the inning, whichever comes first. Truly, this is a rule meant to keep struggling pitchers who can't complete their jobs on the mound, thus increasing offense and decreasing managerial delays. This rule will certainly cause some stress among relief pitchers, and Trevor Bauer has already voiced his opinion on the rule. So while pitchers could still be used to get the third out on its own, managers must now invest more trust in to their bullpen, at the risk of more mistakes on the mound.

MLB Active Roster Limits Explained

There are two significant changes to the roster rules in place for the 2020 MLB season. First, the roster has expanded from 25 to 26 players, allowing for the inclusion of fringe players who are constantly the subject of promotion/demotion or being designated for assignment. It is up to the front office now whether to use that additional roster spot for a "field player" or a pitcher. However, there can only be a maximum of 13 pitchers on a roster at a time.

Secondly, there are no more 40-man rosters in September, ending the massive call-ups that are typical of the end of the season. Now, ballclubs are required to carry a roster of 28 players, with a maximum of 14 pitchers allowed. This will allow for flexibility amongst teams that may be fighting for playoff berths, while also making teams think about who to carry on the active 40-man roster.

Position Players Pitching

Another wrinkle in the rules involves regulating when players that play the field are allowed to step on the mound. Before, it was open season on when a position player could pitch, and typically, the structure depended on how much the manager valued saving the arms of the bullpen. Now, there are clear regulations in the rulebook. If the score deficit is six or more, that is when a position player is allowed to pitch. Should a manager want to put in a "field player" before that, they must wait until the ninth inning to do so.

Oh, and guess what? The IL changed for pitchers! Goodbye "10 days," hello more lengthy stints!

It should be quite the interesting year when it comes to the strategy of the league's managers and front office members.