Cubs Third-Base Coach Quintin Berry Feels Boxed In by New MLB Rules

Berry considers wearing a glove for protection as coaches can no longer stand beyond the third-base box.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a third-base coach standing in the coaching box, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant team colors, conceptually representing the increased danger and confinement the coaches now face under the new MLB rules.The new MLB rules confining third-base coaches to a tighter box have raised safety concerns, as they now face increased risk from high-velocity foul balls.Chicago Today

Quintin Berry, the third-base coach for the Chicago Cubs, is concerned about his safety under new MLB rules that prohibit base coaches from standing beyond the outer boundary of the third-base coaching box, which is just 90 feet from home plate. Berry and other coaches fear the change will put them in greater danger of being hit by high-velocity foul balls, and he is considering wearing a glove for protection.

Why it matters

The new rules are intended to prevent sign-stealing by coaches, but they have raised safety concerns for third-base coaches who are now confined to a smaller area closer to the action on the field. This issue highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring the safety of team personnel.

The details

Under the new MLB rules, base coaches can no longer stand beyond the outer boundary of the third-base coaching box, which is just 90 feet from home plate. Berry and other coaches believe this change has made their jobs exponentially more dangerous, with little room to avoid high-velocity foul balls. There were some close calls during spring training, and Berry is considering wearing a glove for protection, though there is no rule against it. The new rules were implemented in response to complaints that coaches were occupying positions that gave them an advantageous view of a pitcher's grip, allowing them to relay information to the hitter.

  • The new MLB rules were announced in February 2026.
  • The rules were discussed among big-league managers during the winter meetings.
  • The joint competition committee took up the topic and the change was announced after the owners' meetings.

The players

Quintin Berry

The third-base coach for the Chicago Cubs, who previously played 13 seasons in the major leagues, including 8 games with the Cubs in 2015.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs, who previously hired Berry as the first-base coach for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Bret Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who commented that the new rules are probably a good thing for the competitiveness of the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's funny, I've talked with a couple of third-base coaches about bringing a glove out there, have a glove on just in case, because it's like you're never out of harm's way.”

— Quintin Berry, Third-Base Coach, Chicago Cubs

“It's probably a good thing just to regulate that. I knew something was coming. Overall, I think it's probably a good thing, just for the competitiveness of the game.”

— Bret Boone, Manager, New York Yankees

What’s next

MLB has said coaches can retreat backward toward foul territory, but Berry believes this would prevent them from doing their job effectively. Umpires have been instructed to first give coaches a warning for violating the rules, with a second warning potentially resulting in ejection.

The takeaway

The new MLB rules aimed at preventing sign-stealing have created a safety concern for third-base coaches, who now find themselves in closer proximity to high-velocity foul balls. This issue highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing game integrity with the well-being of team personnel.