The Automated Ball-Strike System might be the most talked-about change in Major League Baseball this coming season, but it won’t be the only adjustment on the field.
MLB owners voted on Thursday to enforce a rule that requires first- and third-base coaches to stay within their designated boxes until a pitch is thrown.
“The clubs approved a rule change on the coaches’ box requiring more adherence to the existing lines in the box,” commissioner Rob Manfred said after the vote at the owners’ annual meetings in Florida.
The move is designed to curb pitch tipping and on-field sign stealing — something that has long existed in the sport but has drawn increased scrutiny in recent seasons.
Umpires enforced the measure during Game 7 of the World Series between the Blue Jays and Dodgers last fall, but it will now become standard practice across the league.
Under already existing MLB rules, coaches may not leave their boxes while a pitcher is in contact with the rubber or until a ball is put into play or received by the catcher.
First- and third-base coaches’ on-field movements have allowed them to get better angles and visuals of pitches, making it easier to relay signs to hitters and baserunners.
Coaches can move closer to the dugout or stands for safety concerns, but will receive a warning for violations and face ejection for repeat offenses.
The issue boiled over during a heated May 2023 series between the Yankees and Blue Jays.
With Toronto already irritated over Aaron Judge allegedly glancing toward his own dugout during an at-bat, Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker took issue with Yankees third-base coach Luis Rojas’ positioning near the line.
The complaint sparked a fiery exchange between Yankees manager Aaron Boone and Blue Jays skipper John Schneider.
MLB ultimately found no wrongdoing by the Yankees, but Schneider made clear where he stood.
“There’s boxes on the field for a reason,” he said afterward.
For his part, Boone said Thursday’s decision was a “good thing” for baseball.
“It’s probably a good thing to regulate that,” Boone said. “We talked about that at the winter meetings in our managers meeting. … Overall, I think it’s probably a good thing, just for the competitiveness of the game.”