Are you excited that MLB is finally moving to standardize check-swing calls?

"...the batter, pitcher, or catcher may also appeal the umpire's decision regarding whether the batter swung at a pitch ("Check-Swing Challenge"). A swing will be considered to have occurred if the maximum angle between the bat head and the bat handle exceeds 45 degrees. This rule was tested in the Florida State League and Arizona Fall League in 2025. In the FSL, the strikeout rate was over 3% lower when Check-Swing Challenge was used, having a positive impact on balls in play and encouraging more extensive testing at higher levels."

"This potential rules change is a big deal, because check swings aren't currently codified in the rulebook, and thus are entirely at the discretion of the umpires. Does this definition work well? I have no idea. It seems pretty opaque to me, and again, MLB needs to start putting these things in the rules to avoid the potential for shenanigans and misapplication."

MLB is implementing a check-swing challenge rule in minor league testing, defining a swing as occurring when the maximum angle between bat head and handle exceeds 45 degrees. This rule was tested in the Florida State League and Arizona Fall League in 2025, resulting in strikeout rates over 3% lower and increased balls in play. The Pacific Coast League will test this rule partway through the season, while the International League will have umpires apply the same criteria without formal challenges. Teams retain two challenges per game usable on either ball/strike or swing/no-swing calls, but not both on the same pitch. This addresses the current lack of codified check-swing rules in baseball, which previously relied entirely on umpire discretion.

Read at Battery Power