Pitch clock, bases, shift 'focal point' for MLBPA in 2023

Tony Clark has been the MLBPA's executive director since December 2013. imageSPACE

MLBPA executive director Tony Clark: 'Pitch clock, bases and shift are the focal point for the consideration for 2023'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/19/22

The rest of July and August will apparently be crucial for MLB's joint on-field competition committee as they consider numerous rule changes for the 2023 season.

Tony Clark on potential rule changes being discussed on competition committee, which includes players: "Pitch clock, bases and shift are the focal point for the consideration for 2023... Remains to be seen what comes out of that discussion." Clark thinks next 40 days will be key.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) July 19, 2022

Tony Clark notes he would still like to get rid of the qualifying offer, but "it being attached to the conversation that we’re having relating to international entry and international draft, does not mean that we’re going to mortgage the future" of those players.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) July 19, 2022

The robo umpires won't come to #MLB earlier than 2024.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 19, 2022

Clark, who has been the MLBPA's executive director since December 2013, will see his contract end at the end of the year but plans to stay in the position. The one-time All-Star also addressed how both the MLB Amateur Draft and All-Star break coincide with each other.

Tony Clark on holding the amateur draft during All Star week: “It’s great to have it as part of a marquee event, but the timing is remarkably challenging."
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) July 19, 2022

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the proposed change to infield shifts "likely will require all four infielders to have their feet in the dirt when the ball is pitched." However, he added that with a potential change, the infielders would be allowed to stand anywhere in the infield.

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