MLB To Discuss Significant Pace-of-Play Changes For 2018 Season

Since Rob Manfred has been the commissioner of Major League Baseball, tweaking the pace of play has been at the forefront of his priorities.

That isn’t going to change just yet, as the MLB and MLB Players Association are set to meet to discuss potential rule changes to enhance the pace of play ahead of the 2018 season, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Manfred said at the conclusion of the Owners Meetings in Orlando, Florida in November that he wants to work with the MLBPA instead of taking matters exclusively into his own hands.

“What’s going to happen with respect to 2018 rule changes is fully dependent on which path we’re on,” Manfred said. “I’ve been really plain about the fact that my hope — my preferred path — is a negotiated agreement with the players, but if we can’t get an agreement, we are going to have rule changes in 2018.”

A source told Feinsand that players have been involved with this issue throughout the process and will continue to be involved.