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Aaron Judge. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees’ Aaron Judge discusses new MLB rules

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/27/23

Add the reigning American League Most Valuable Player to the list of people in favor of new MLB rules impacting games during spring training.

According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, New York Yankees All-Star slugger Aaron Judge has spoken out in favor of both the pitch clock and a ban on certain defensive shifts.

"I like it," Judge said of the pitch clock on Sunday. "I think you can play around with it a little bit. It definitely speeds up the game. Anything that keeps the pitcher moving and on the go and hopefully keep them out of breath, I’m looking forward to."

Interestingly, New York Mets ace Max Scherzer suggested ahead of the weekend that the clock allows pitchers to better "dictate pace" and have "control over the pace of play."

As ESPN's Jesse Rogers mentioned earlier this month, pitchers have 15 seconds when bases are empty and 20 seconds if a runner is on to throw towards home. Hitters must be inside the batter's box with at least eight seconds left on the pitch clock.

Cal Conley of the Atlanta Braves received a harsh reminder of this when he earned a third strike during what became the final at-bat of an exhibition matchup versus the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. Conley's miscue resulted in the contest ending in a 6-6 tie.

It's good that this sort of thing is happening early in spring training, because one thing is abundantly clear: Umpires have been instructed to enforce the pitch-clock rules strictly. It's the only way, MLB believe, they'll work. So hitters and pitchers both know: Be ready early.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2023

As for the catcher, the rule is: He needs to be in the box behind home plate with 9 seconds on the clock. He can be standing or crouched. In the box is all that matters.

An MLB spokesman says the correct call was made in Braves-Red Sox game that ended with an automatic strike.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2023

Per Forbes' Maury Brown, the pitch clock has thus far shortened the lengths of spring training games by roughly 25 minutes from this time last year.

Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor has said on multiple occasions he is excited that the lack of shifts could allow him to make additional highlight-reel plays.

Judge, who patrols the outfield for the Yankees when he isn't serving as a designated hitter, echoed Lindor's thoughts.

"I think it’s going to be great action," Judge said of shift-less MLB games. "You’re going to see some athletic plays on defense where before, that ball’s just hit right at the second baseman and he’s throwing it to second or first. I’m looking forward to it. More hits, more athletic plays, it’s just better for the game."

Whether or not Judge will find himself singing a different tune if he and/or a teammate is negatively impacted by one of the league's rule alterations has yet to be seen. It is, however, probably a positive one of the sport's most recognizable stars is embracing such changes, because there's zero indication MLB will consider going back to the way things were anytime soon.

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