Will Shohei Ohtani come to bat two times in a row with a good chance to win the game? The debate and impact of the proposed new MLB rule "Golden At-Bat"

Teams with strong hitters have an advantage

The "pitch clock" is one of the most well-known new rules that MLB has adopted in recent years. Pitchers must begin pitching within 15 seconds if there are no runners on base, and 18 seconds if there are runners on base, and batters must also get ready within the 8-second time limit. While this rule has been criticized for increasing the burden on pitchers, it has had a certain effect on speeding up games, such as successfully shortening the game by 44 minutes from 2022.

The current state of the "pitch clock" that Shohei Ohtani also mentioned - its impact on Japanese players such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the adaptation required in MLB

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Following on from that rule, in early December when last season ended, a further reform plan was revealed called "Golden At Bat." It would allow a team to have a batter of their choice bat at any time during the game regardless of the batting order, and it was said that this rule could only be used in the final stages of the game, such as after the 7th inning or the 9th inning, when the team is losing, or when the score is tied. When multiple US media outlets reported this as something said by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, it sparked a mixed reaction from all quarters.

Although it is still in the planning stages, the benefit of adopting this new rule is that offensive teams will be able to score more points by using players more aggressively. The Dodgers, who were crowned world champions in the 2024 season, had a strong top batting lineup with pitcher Shohei Ohtani, infielder Mookie Betts, and infielder Freddie Freeman, but the fact that the team would be able to use strong hitters like Ohtani and Betts as "jokers" in opportunities or disadvantageous situations late in the game suggests new possibilities that could overturn conventional baseball wisdom.

In the 2024 season, Ohtani played in 159 games, batting .310 with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs, winning the home run and RBI double crown. If the "Golden At-Bat" system is used for Ohtani, who had 731 at-bats, then simple math would increase his at-bats to 890 for the season (159 additional at-bats). For example, there could be a situation where Ohtani needs a home run in the ninth inning with two outs and the bases loaded, when the team is three runs behind, or Ohtani could be used as the ninth batter in a chance situation, meaning he will be at bat two times in a row. The increased appearances of star players, such as Ohtani and Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, could have a positive effect.

Personal opinion of the legendary pitcher who has won the CY Award seven times

On the other hand, it is also pointed out that the traditions and balance that the sport of baseball has maintained may be lost. In today's Major League Baseball, where data is emphasized and it is common to place good hitters at the top, the meaning of the batting order from 1st to 9th will become even weaker, and some say that the essence of baseball will be lost. While star players may enjoy more exposure, the craftsman who has played a significant role in baseball so far, the pinch hitter, may disappear.

In addition, seven-time Cy Young Award legend Roger Clemens stated his personal opinion on his X (formerly Twitter) account, saying, "Hypothetically... Ohtani comes to bat with the bases loaded and no outs. I strike him out. Then they (the Dodgers) use this rule to leave Ohtani at bat again and have to face him again?" He argued that the burden on pitchers would be increased, and the impact on relief pitchers who are entrusted with the late innings has been cited as a major concern.

Pitcher Yuki Matsui, who struggled in his rookie year with the Padres, could see a direct impact on his own performance. In 2024, Matsui pitched in 64 games, posting a record of 4 wins and 2 losses with an ERA of 3.73, but was outhit by Ohtani of the Dodgers, who is also in the National League West, with 3 hits and 3 doubles in 5 at-bats, giving him a batting average of .600. The increased number of direct confrontations with powerful hitters in the "Golden At-Bat" late in the season could be a source of concern for relief pitchers like Matsui.

Commissioners take a cautious stance

Although the "Golden at Bat" has the potential to greatly change the concept of baseball, Commissioner Manfred commented on the controversial rule proposal, saying, "It will be a long road before it is actually adopted." He made clear his stance at this stage that it will not lead to immediate adoption, and said that the "Golden at Bat" was merely raised at the owners' meeting as an idea to further develop baseball.

In the recent years, Major League Baseball has been undergoing rule changes, and the "Golden At Bat" has been discussed as a bold reform proposal for after the 2024 season. While there was a reaction from all quarters immediately after the news was reported, MLB is cautious about adopting it at this time. Will there be a movement toward revision in the future and a new rule be realized?