MLB Bringing Experimental Rule Changes to Minor Leagues in 2026

From moving second base to cracking down on pitch clock tactics, the minors will be a testing ground for potential big-league rule shifts.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:20am

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Major League Baseball is planning to implement a host of experimental rule changes in the minor leagues starting in the 2026 season, including moving the location of second base, limiting pitcher disengagements, using technology to enforce checked swings, and cracking down on tactics to beat the pitch clock. These changes are viewed as trials and may or may not eventually make their way to the major league level.

Why it matters

MLB has long used the minor leagues as a testing ground for potential rule changes, with some - like the pitch clock - eventually making it to the big leagues. These latest experiments are aimed at increasing the running game, reducing strikeouts, and streamlining the pace of play, though there's no guarantee any will stick at the major league level.

The details

The specific rule changes coming to the minors in 2026 include: moving second base closer to home plate in the Triple-A International League, limiting pitchers to one disengagement (pickoff throw or step-off) per batter in Double-A, using bat-tracking technology to enforce a 45-degree checked swing standard in Triple-A's Pacific Coast League, and various restrictions on batter timeouts and pitch clock tactics across different minor league levels.

  • The second-base move and checked swing technology will be implemented in the second half of the 2026 minor league season.
  • The limits on pitcher disengagements will start on Opening Day 2026 in the Double-A Eastern, Midwest and Southern Leagues.
  • The restrictions on batter timeouts and pitch clock tactics will be rolled out across different minor league levels in 2026.

The players

Major League Baseball

The governing body of professional baseball in the United States and Canada.

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What’s next

MLB will closely monitor the impact of these experimental rule changes in the minor leagues in 2026 to determine if any should be considered for potential implementation in the majors in future seasons.

The takeaway

These wide-ranging rule change experiments in the minors highlight MLB's ongoing efforts to find ways to increase action, reduce dead time, and modernize the game, though the league remains cautious about which changes, if any, will ultimately make the jump to the big leagues.