The Perfect Fix: The 5 Best MLB Changes Since 2014

The 2026 Major League Baseball season is underway, and games now include the implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS)  Challenge System. It’s way too soon to judge if this rule change is a good one. 

MLB has made significant rule changes over the last several seasons, with the common themes of reducing the length of games, creating more action, and increasing fan engagement. Call it a push to modernize a sport that has historically been slow to change. There are baseball purists out there who have been outspoken about some of these changes, including the 12-team playoff format that was implemented in 2022. Sure, some of the changes have been controversial, but others have clearly improved the game. 

Wondering which MLB rule changes have actually made the game better? We rank MLB’s best rule changes from the last two decades below. 

What Makes an MLB Rule Change Successful

Prior to MLB implementing several of the rule changes highlighted below, the average nine-inning baseball game would last over three hours. Watching a pitcher make three throws to first base or batters constantly stepping out of the batter's box gets boring after a while. Fans want faster games (even if it means a pitcher's duel), increased action, and competitiveness.

These are a few of the key factors we weighed as we evaluated MLB rule changes that have had a real impact on the game. Here’s a closer look at the top 5 MLB rule changes since 2014.  

The Best MLB Rule Changes Ranked

1. Pitch Clock (2023) 

What Changed

MLB implemented a pitch clock at the start of the 2023 season. Games went from having no clock to a 30-second timer between batters. Additionally, there is a 15-second clock between pitches with the bases empty and a 20-second clock with runners on base.

Why It Was Introduced

The pitch clock was introduced to create a quicker pace of play. 

Impact on the Game

The rule change forces players to be disciplined. Any pitcher who violates the pitch clock is charged with an automatic ball, while batters are charged with an automatic strike. 

Results

The results immediately showed during the 2023 season, as the average length of a nine-inning MLB game was two hours and 40 minutes, a 24-minute decrease. Games have consistently stayed under three hours since.

Why It Ranks Here

Speeding up the pace of games has made for a more enjoyable fan experience and successfully resolved one of the biggest complaints.   

2. Expanded MLB Playoffs (2022) 

What Changed

MLB added two more Wild Card spots, creating a 12-team playoff format (up from 10). The single-elimination Wild Card Games were replaced by a best-of-three series.  

Why It Was Introduced

Keeps more teams in the playoff hunt, leading to increased fan engagement. 

Impact on the Game

In 2025, the Red Sox, Tigers, Guardians, and Reds all clinched during the final weekend of the regular season. Under the previous format, the Tigers and Reds would’ve missed the cut. 

Results

Look back at the 2023 season when the Arizona Diamondbacks clinched the final NL Wild Card spot and made the World Series. The Texas Rangers, the No. 5 seed in the American League, ended the great run for the first World Series title in franchise history. 

Why It Ranks Here

Simple - increased fan engagement with the postseason. Winning the World Series is the ultimate prize, and more teams are now included in the conversation. 

3. Universal DH (2022) 

What Changed

National League teams started using a designated hitter to match American League teams that had been using the DH since 1973. 

Why It Was Introduced

The universal DH rule was introduced to restore competitive balance between the two leagues and help reduce pitcher injuries. Prior to the rule change, pitchers batted ninth in the batting order and had to run the bases. 

Impact on the Game

Do you remember the days when teams used to intentionally walk the No. 8 hitter to get to the pitcher’s spot? Now with All-Stars like Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber filling the DH role, the home run potential skyrocketed.  

Results

National League teams went from having that “easy out” in the lineup when pitchers batted to having a player like Schwarber (56 home runs and 132 RBI in 2025) generate some fresh excitement to NL offenses. 

Why It Ranks Here

While baseball traditionalists might argue against it, this rule change needed to happen so that AL and NL teams were playing by the same rules.

4. Bigger bases (2023) 

What Changed

MLB once again broke away from tradition by going with bases that are 18 inches square (up from 15 inches). 

Why It Was Introduced

Encourage more stolen base attempts while giving players more room to operate. 

Impact on the Game

While the pitch clock rule also factors into the equation, stolen base attempts and stolen base success rate have both increased.

Results

According to FanGraphs, during the 2024 season, the number of steals surged to 3,617 (compared to 2,486 in 2022) while the stolen base success rate jumped to 79% over the same time period. 

Why It Ranks Here

Stolen bases are an exciting part of the game, especially if it puts a runner in scoring position with the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth. However, the changes highlighted above have played a more significant role in reducing the length of MLB games and increasing fan engagement. 

5. Replay Review (2014)

What Changed

With the updated replay review, teams start the game with one challenge, and if it’s successful, the manager has another available to use later in the game.

Why It Was Introduced

To help resolve disputed calls, especially those that might significantly impact the outcome of a game. 

Impact on the Game

With some plays being too close to call, expanded replay has added an additional layer of fairness to the game. Former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said, “This is really big” after the rule change was approved. 

Results

Based on data provided by the Baseball Reference website, last season, Arizona Diamondbacks Manager Tony Lovullo and Houston Astros Manager Joe Espada had instant replay success rates of over 70% during the 2025 season. 

Why It Ranks Here

While this rule change was long overdue and definitely needed, it doesn't generate the same in-game excitement. 

The Bigger Trend: MLB’s Push to Modernize

Some might debate that the extra-inning automatic runner, defensive shift ban, and the brand new ABS system belong on this subjective list as well. However, the common theme is that MLB, especially over the last few seasons, has shown a greater willingness to break from its traditional ways to make the game more exciting and increase fan engagement. 

Read more: Bodog's MLB Betting Guide