The MLB concluded, for good reason, that it was time to make some substantial rule changes in an effort to get runners back on base and reduce the amount of time between innings. The decision to limit defensive shifting, implement a pitch timer, and restrict pick-off attempts is likely not news to you, but as an observant fan, you may have already developed an opinion about it.

Pitchers will only be allowed two pick-off attempts or step-offs each plate appearance under MLB's new rules, which also include supersizing the bases. Baserunners will advance if a third disengagement takes place without an out being recorded. There was a 0.6-per-game rise in attempts at stolen bases and a 77% success rate when new regulations were put into effect in the minors in 2022.