MLB commissioner says there's 'buzz' about a Golden At-Bat rule. What is it?

(NEXSTAR) – MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred hinted that club owners are open to the idea of a rule that could significantly change how the game is played.

Manfred, during a recent appearance on “The Varsity” podcast hosted by John Ourand, was discussing the reception of recent rule changes that made their way from the minors to the major leagues, such as the pitch clock or the larger bases.

He then mentioned there were multiple possible rule changes that have been discussed for future seasons, including one that would let managers swap a weaker hitter with a stronger one during a crucial moment in the game — almost like a pinch hitter, but without replacing the weaker hitter for the duration of the game, or in the field.

“There are a variety of things that are being talked about, out there. One of them, there was a little buzz around it at an owner’s meeting, was the idea of a ‘Golden At-Bat.’ That is, putting your best player out there, out of order, at a particular point of the game," Manfred said.

Manfred didn’t elaborate on the rule or the “buzz” surrounding it, but the notion of a one-time slugger swap has been talked about for years. Jayson Stark, of The New York Times’ The Athletic, delved deeper into the possible ways the rule could play out, claiming he’s heard several variations.

Of those, Stark explained that a “Golden At-Bat” could involve both teams getting a once-per-game pass to substitute a hitter, or maybe just one team (whichever team is trailing in a later inning). He also brought up the possibility that a player could potentially bat twice in a row, if he’s called out on his first-at bat in the inning.

Stark said he’s even heard rumors that the minor leagues might test this rule in the coming years, but personally predicted that the MLB might introduce the concept (or a similar one) during an exhibition game, like the annual All-Star game.

In any case, a potential “golden at-bat” rule isn’t likely to make it to the big leagues anytime soon. The pitch clock was tested for nearly a decade in the minors before being implemented in the 2023 season, and the ABS challenge system (which Manfred discussed on “The Varsity” podcast) is still testing, and will need to be tested for another year (at spring training) — after which a decision will be made the following year about whether it will eventually be instituted in the major leagues, Manfred predicted.

Aside from a possible “Golden At-Bat,” Manfred expressed a desire to implement "subtle" rules to dissuade managers from swapping out their starting pitchers so early in the games. He said, though, that the success of recent rule changes might make owners and fans more receptive to new rules that would make the game more competitive and enjoyable.

“One of the best things about the success we had last year … [was] that it makes people in the game more comfortable talking about change, you know?” Manfred said. “They had some confidence that you can manage the change process in a way that produces a good outcome.”