What MLB Rule Changes Are Coming in 2025 and How Will They Impact the Game?

By Oliver Wiener June 17, 2025 09:34

Major League Baseball is rolling out a couple of notable rule changes for the 2025 season aimed at enhancing fairness and integrity while maintaining the game’s pace and excitement. Though these changes are relatively minor in scope, their impact could influence strategy and gameplay in subtle but meaningful ways.

Tougher Penalties for Infield Shift Violations

One of the most significant adjustments concerns the enforcement of the infield shift ban, which was first introduced prior to the 2023 season. The rule requires teams to position at least two infielders on each side of second base at the time the pitch is thrown, effectively eliminating extreme defensive shifts that had become common against pull hitters.

Previously, if a team violated this shift rule for example, by having three infielders on one side the penalty was an automatic ball added to the count or the option to accept the result of the play. Starting in 2025, MLB is increasing the penalty's severity: if a defensive player positioned illegally is the first to touch a batted ball, the batting team can choose to accept the play’s outcome or be awarded first base automatically. Additionally, all baserunners will advance one base, and the fielder responsible will be charged with an error, while the batter will not be charged with an at-bat.

This change is designed as a stronger deterrent against shift violations. As MLB Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Morgan Sword explained, “The previous penalty didn’t fit the crime. If a fielder is illegally positioned and influences the play, the batting team deserves more.” This adjustment should encourage teams to adhere strictly to the shift restrictions, potentially increasing batting averages on balls in play and restoring more traditional defensive alignments.

Expanded Replay Review on Base Running Abandonment

The second rule change involves replay review and base running, specifically addressing the rare but strategic practice of runners overrunning bases other than first base on force plays. For instance, with runners on first and third and two outs, a ground ball to second base might prompt the runner heading to second to sprint straight through the bag rather than sliding, aiming to beat the throw and allow the runner on third to score before the third out.

Under the previous rule, if the runner beat the throw but was tagged out after overrunning the base, the run would count. The 2025 rule empowers replay officials to determine if the runner abandoned the base path before scoring, and if so, the run will be disallowed. The umpire can now call the runner out for abandonment even if he beat the throw, closing a loophole that teams had exploited.

This tweak aims to preserve the integrity of force plays and prevent teams from gaming the system. It also promises to reduce lengthy replay reviews by clarifying the criteria for abandonment.

What Fans Can Expect

While these changes may not drastically alter the daily viewing experience, they reflect MLB’s ongoing efforts to balance competitive fairness with game flow. The stiffer penalty for shift violations could lead to more balls finding holes in the infield, potentially increasing offensive production and exciting moments. Meanwhile, the abandonment rule clarifies base running expectations and limits controversial scoring plays.

As reported by CBS Sports, “The new shift penalty is a significant deterrent, and teams will have to be meticulous with their defensive positioning.” Meanwhile, MLB.com’s Randhawa noted that the abandonment rule “should lead to shorter reviews and fewer disputed runs.”

Looking Ahead

The 2025 season’s rule changes continue MLB’s trend of fine-tuning the game in response to evolving strategies and technology. While the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) remains in experimental stages and has not been widely adopted, the league’s willingness to adjust rules based on competitive fairness and pace-of-play concerns signals a proactive approach.

In summary, fans can expect a season with a renewed emphasis on traditional defensive alignments and clearer base running rules, both designed to enhance fairness and maintain baseball’s timeless appeal.