Major League Baseball has had a fantastic season this time around. The Dream World Series was between two of the biggest franchises in the sport: the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. Ratings and attendance were at an all-time high, and all seemed great. But then, MLB owner Rob Manfred got a fantastic idea to shake things up again!

So what’s the deal now? Picture this—the game is on the line, and Aaron Judge steps up to bat—twice. Sounds wild, right? Well, MLB’s Rob Manfred is causing a stir with this “golden at-bat rule.” Rob Manfred has recently claimed that this rule or idea is creating all the buzz among team owners. But how does it work? Manfred recently shared the concept on The Varsity podcast and admitted that it’s just one of the many rule changes being discussed by them.

Now, Rob Manfred has been the force when it comes to making changes to the current rules in MLB. He is the one trying to make things exciting. He mentions that the golden at-bat rule is something that is now getting the attention of many team owners. However, this rule might not be clear-cut, and there are many different variations of the rule.

For example, MLB might allow only the team that’s trailing to use the golden at-bat rule. Or maybe restrict it to be used during the later innings. Many seem to have mixed feelings about this. But Manfred mentions that the people get comfortable, like they did previously, with the rules. But definitely, this rule has the power to change the structure of baseball as a game. So, it might take time to be implemented. Rob Manfred mentions, “That rule, and things like that, are in the conversation-only stage right now.” However, the fans don’t seem welcome to a change as of yet!

Fans are not thrilled with Rob Manfred’s golden at-bat rule

A strict fan mentioned, “Please don’t ruin baseball,” and the sentiment is understandable. Change can be scary and unwanted. And the sport has been seeing changes for some time now, under Rob Manfred. These changes were brought to adjust to the shortened attention spans of the fans. Also to make the sport more entertaining. But traditionalists might not subscribe to the fact that sports need any change.

One user mentions, “Game is ruined.” This golden at-bat rule is just an idea at this point. But yes, there are chances that it might be a dud, given that not all ideas have panned out great for MLB. Like the ghost runner in extra innings. Some feel like it’s far too unnecessary and messes up the purity of the sport. Another fan pointed out, “The legends of the game that have passed are rolling over in their graves if this happens. Are ratings that bad? I went to the bar for games one and two of the World Series, and it was pretty lively. Hey, maybe make it more affordable for fans to get into the ballpark? I don’t know.” The point of MLB right now is not just ranking up the ticket sales or TV ratings; it might just be to work on the entertainment quotient in the sport. Moreover, they did succeed in some of their efforts, like the pitch clock.

A brilliant point was raised by another commenter: “Ruining the opportunity for others to step up in clutch moments. Terrible idea.” And yes, the organic element of it—at least some of it—might be lost. A remarkable at-bat moment occurred when Ohtani faced off against Trout with the championship at stake at the World Baseball Classic. And new rules might make people think things are manufactured. One user pointed out, “The whole point of baseball is that anyone can be the hero if it’s their turn up 🤦‍♂️.” Well, even MLB heroes like Freddie Freeman don’t seem to be thrilled with it, saying he is old school. Yes, a golden at-bat would garner plenty of views on social media and maybe even get more airtime, but it remains to be seen—does it alter the game of baseball, and what’s it about?

Right now, this is all a concept, and there are many questions like the above that MLB and Rob Manfred will have to answer before it becomes anything more. But if it passes, it will be one of the biggest rule changes in sports history. What do you think about this? Share below.