The shift is a defensive strategy where fielders move to one side of the field because a hitter tends to pull the ball there. Instead of standing in the usual spots, the defense stacks up where the batter most likely hits it.
Playing the odds
With data on where each hitter puts the ball, teams began moving three infielders to the same side against dead-pull hitters. It worked so well it dropped batting averages on balls in play and turned sure hits into outs, which sparked plenty of debate.
The rule that reined it in
Starting in 2023, MLB limited the shift: now two infielders must stay on each side of second base, with both feet on the dirt. The goal was to bring back hits and action. The change lifted the league batting average and rewarded pull hitters who’d been swallowed up by the shift.
FAQ
Is the shift banned?
Not entirely: it’s restricted, since two infielders now have to stay on each side of second base.
Why did they limit it?
To recover base hits and add offense, which the extreme shift was choking off.
