MLB could be undergoing a major rule change — and the fans aren’t having it.
The ‘Golden-At-Bat’, discussed by Commissioner Rob Manfred John Ourand’s ‘The Varsity’ podcastwould theoretically allow teams to choose one at-bat per game to use their preferred hitter – instead of following the batting order.
Manfred told Ourand that there was “a bit of a fuss about it at an owners meeting,” but noted that things are currently in the “discussion-only stage.”
Nevertheless, the prospect of baseball making this change has consistently provoked angry reactions among fans.
“If this were to actually go into effect, I would seriously consider quitting watching baseball,” one said on X. “Holy hell.
“Please tell me the ‘Golden At Bat’ rule is just an April Fool’s joke from a few months early,” another fan added. “Someone needs to tell Manfred to stop watching Savannah Bananas games. If you want to do something, stop the blackouts.”
In theory, the rule would allow a star like Aaron Judge to bat regardless of batting order
Fans were quick to condemn MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, who talked about the idea in October
A third fan continued the attack on Manfred, proverb“Please, for God’s sake, get rid of Rob Manfred before he causes irreparable damage to the only sport I love. This man doesn’t have a single functioning brain cell in his head.’
“One of the best things about baseball is when an unlikely hero emerges at a big moment,” a fourth thought. “Please don’t do this.”
Manfred has overseen other rule changes in MLB, such as the pitch clock and the “ghost runner” rule in extra innings, in which a player starts each inning at second place.
The ‘Golden At-Bat’ – which allowed the Yankees to sub in Aaron Judge in the bottom of the ninth, for example – would change the game more dramatically.
According to The Athletic’s Jayson StarkNo details have been determined yet, but several variations of the rule have been discussed.
It is possible that the ‘Golden-At-Bat’ can be used at any time in a game, only in the seventh inning or later, or even only in the ninth or later, in positions where a team is tied or losing.
Stark said people involved in the minor leagues expect the rule to be tested there in the coming years.
However, he predicted that the first place the “Golden At-Bat” could surface would be the All-Star Game.
One MLB executive anonymously offered his support for the idea, while another (also anonymous) decried it.
“With the other rule changes … you’re trying to create the best version of baseball,” he said. “But with this rule, the Golden At-Bat, it’s like trying to create another sport. “You’re trying to create something else that’s like baseball, but not really,” he said.
With or without the new rule, the 2025 MLB season will begin on March 27.