Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced two significant rule changes set to take effect during the 2025 season, focusing on infield shifts and replay reviews. According to insights from Moneyline's Evan Drellich, the adjustments were implemented to prevent scenarios where teams could exploit previous regulations that might have encouraged strategic loopholes.

The revised shift rule stipulates that a batter will automatically be awarded first base if a defensive player violates the shift guidelines and is the first to make contact with the ball. For instance, should a shortstop cross over to the right side of the field and touch the ball first after a pitch, this regulation will apply. Furthermore, if a second baseman encroaches on the left side and is the first to touch the ball, the same rule would be applied. This infraction results in the fielding fielder being charged with an error, and the batter will not be credited with an at-bat. However, teams can opt to decline this penalty if they are content with the outcome of the play, marking a departure from the previous rules that imposed less severe repercussions for similar violations.

In addition, MLB is revising its replay rules to allow officials to assess whether a runner has overrun second or third base, a situation previously ignored under the old regulations. According to a presentation from MLB to the competition committee, "If a runner runs past second base or third base on a potential force play and does not attempt to touch the base or advance to the next base, the runner will be declared out for abandonment." The change also allows for the evaluation of whether a runner has scored from third base before an abandoning runner passes the base. Notably, in the past season, instances of shift violations leading to these new regulations occurred only twice, suggesting that adjustments may not significantly alter the game in the immediate future.