Potential changes include testing a different distance from the pitching mound to home plateATLANTIC LEAGUE
MLB has struck a three-year deal with the Atlantic League to test various experimental playing rules and equipment in the independent minor league. Somewhat similar to what MLB already does in the Arizona Fall League, the Atlantic League will also serve as a trial setting for various modifications that could ultimately make their way to the majors. Specific planned measures have not yet been detailed, but potential changes to be tested could include electronic-based calls of balls and strikes and testing pitching mounds not placed at the standard distance of 60 feet, six inches from home plate. Initial rules modifications for the '19 season are slated to be announced prior to season-opening games on April 25. The Atlantic League is an attractive setting to MLB for such tests as the circuit includes many veteran players with MLB experience, and more radical experiments such as these would be far more difficult to conduct in the affiliated minors with top prospects given large signing bonuses. "We look forward to bringing some of the best ideas about the future of our game to life in a highly competitive environment," said Morgan Sword, MLB Senior VP/League Economics & Operations. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, MLB will gain rights to implement changes to Atlantic League playing rules. The league will also enhance its scouting in the Atlantic League, install radar tracking technology in the eight Atlantic League ballparks and provide statistical services to the clubs.
