Major League Baseball could be gearing up for a controversial rule change that has sparked widespread backlash among fans.
The proposed “Golden At-Bat” rule, discussed by Commissioner Rob Manfred, would allow teams to designate one player per game to take a key at-bat outside of the traditional batting order.
Manfred explained the concept is still in its infancy, saying there “was a little buzz around it at an owners’ meeting,” but clarified that the idea is currently “in the conversation-only stage.”
Despite the lack of concrete plans, the mere suggestion of such a change has set social media ablaze with criticism.
The majority of the responses on X were exactly what you’d think they be…
“If this actually went into effect, I’d seriously consider giving up watching baseball.”
“Please tell me the ‘Golden At Bat’ rule is just an April fools joke a few months early.”
“Someone needs to tell Manfred to stop watching Savannah Bananas games. You want to do something, stop the blackouts.”
“Please, for the love of God, get rid of Rob Manfred before he does irreparable damage to the only sport I love. This guy doesn’t have a single functioning brain cell in his head.”
“One of the sweetest things about baseball is when an unlikely hero emerges in a big moment. Please do not do this.”
It’s no secret that baseball fans, for the most part, are traditionalists who despise the idea of any sort of radical rule change.
Many fans opposed the new pitch clock rules. As well as the limit on pickoff attempts, mound visits, and the ridiculous “runner on second base” rule in extra innings.
(In fairness to the pitch clock rule, it has sped up games enormously. Many who initially opposed the rule have grown to like it.)
While there are a few supporters of this proposed “Golden At-Bat” idea, the majority of baseball fans are hoping it doesn’t happen.
While you can’t blame Manfred to spit-balling the idea, his reputation is very poor among the majority of baseball fans. In other words, anything he comes up with will be met with pushback.
Those who support the potential rule change enjoy the idea of a team – let’s use the Yankees for example – sending star slugger Aaron Judge up to the plate for a do-or-die at bat in the ninth inning despite it not being his place in the batting order.
(Well, it might not be the best time to use Judge as an example, but you get the idea.)
According to Jayson Stark of The Athletic, various iterations of the rule are under consideration.
It might be limited to late innings, such as the seventh or later, or restricted to situations where a team is tied or trailing.
The rule could first see a trial run in the minor leagues or the All-Star Game.
However, opinions within the league remain divided. One anonymous MLB executive expressed cautious support, while another sharply criticized the idea.
“With the other rule changes, you’re trying to create the best version of baseball. But with this rule, the Golden At-Bat, it’s like you’re trying to create a different sport. You’re trying to create something else that’s kind of like baseball, but not really,” the source said. (That’s a very good point.)
Regardless of whether the new rule comes to fruition, the 2025 MLB season is slated to begin on March 27.
What are your thoughts on the controversial “Golden At-Bat” idea???
