MLB Players Association says 2023 rule changes impact 'the integrity of the game itself'

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Three notable rule changes will be coming to Major League Baseball during the 2023 season, but representatives of the MLB Players’ Association voted unanimously against them. 

The changes – banning defensive shifts, implementing a pitch clock and larger bases – were passed after a vote on Friday by a new joint committee made up of players, club representatives and an umpire. 

After testing these new changes in the minor leagues and discussing the matter over several meetings, the vote passed. 

But the MLBPA issued a statement saying all players involved in the joint committee did not like the new rules. 

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center July 24, 2022, in Cooperstown, N.Y. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

"Players live the game – day in and day out. On-field rules and regulations impact their preparation, performance and, ultimately, the integrity of the game itself," the statement on Twitter said. "Player leaders from across the league were engaged in on-field rules negotiations through the Competition Committee, and they provided specific and actionable feedback on the changes proposed by the Commissioner’s Office.

"Major League Baseball was unwilling to meaningfully address the areas of concern that Players raised, and as a result, Players on the Competition Committee voted unanimously against the implementation of the rules covering defensive shifts and the use of a pitch timer."

The biggest rule change of the three has to be the banning of defensive shifts, a topic that has been debated for some time in baseball.