The Defensive Shifts Ban: How Baseball Changed Its Fielding Rules

MLB banned extreme defensive shifts in 2023—here's what changed, why it matters, and how it's reshaping the game.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 2, 2026

Quick take

MLB banned most defensive shifts starting in 2023, requiring at least two infielders on each side of second base.
The rule was designed to increase batting average and ball-in-play action, reversing a decade of shift-heavy strategy.
Hitters are seeing more balls in play and higher averages, while pitchers have lost a tactical edge on ground balls.

A defensive shift is when a team repositions its infielders away from their traditional positions to exploit a hitter's tendency to pull the ball one direction. For decades, teams used shifts sparingly. But starting in the 2010s, data analytics revealed that certain hitters—especially left-handed batters who pull heavily—could be neutralized by stacking three or even four infielders on one side of second base. The shift became so common that by 2022, nearly 30% of all plate appearances involved some form of shift. In response, MLB banned most shifts before the 2023 season, requiring teams to keep at least two infielders on each side of second base at the moment of pitch.

How the Shift Rule Works

The 2023 rule is straightforward: at the time the pitcher releases the ball, both the shortstop and second baseman must be positioned on the infield dirt, and at least two infielders must be on each side of second base. This means teams can still shift—just not drastically. A shortstop can move toward third base and a second baseman can creep into shallow right field, but the defense must maintain balance. The rule applies to all pitches, including intentional walks. Violations result in an automatic ball.

Teams adapted quickly by using more traditional alignments and relying on better pitcher-batter matchups and pitch sequencing instead of positioning alone. Some clubs also shifted their focus to outfield positioning, which remains unrestricted, allowing them to shade deeper or toward the gaps based on spray charts.

Why MLB Made the Change

The shift ban was driven by two concerns: declining batting average and less action on ground balls. Over the 2010s, the league-wide batting average fell from .280 to .244, and shifts accounted for a meaningful chunk of that decline. A left-handed pull hitter facing a shift might see three infielders in his pull zone and nothing on the opposite side—an extreme disadvantage. MLB wanted to restore balance, boost offense, and make the game more appealing to casual fans who prefer seeing balls in play and traditional baseball action. The league also believed the shift had become less a strategic choice and more a crutch that discouraged pitchers from executing pitches and hitters from improving their approach.

The Impact on Hitting and Ground Balls

After the ban took effect in 2023, the results were measurable. Batting average climbed back toward .260, and on-base percentage improved. More importantly for ground ball hitters, the shift ban meant more balls in play found grass instead of gloves. Left-handed hitters, who benefited most from the shift, saw the biggest gains in batting average and hits on ground balls. Teams could no longer stack the defense against them; they had to pitch better or accept more hits. The ban essentially redistributed success back toward hitters who could put the ball in play consistently.

Key Numbers

30% of plate appearances involved a shift in 2022; now nearly 0% use the extreme shifts of the pre-2023 era
Batting average rose roughly 10-15 points league-wide in 2023 compared to 2022
Ground ball batting average increased most for left-handed hitters, the group most affected by shifts

Who Wins and Who Loses

Hitters—especially contact-oriented, ground-ball-hitting left-handers—clearly benefit. They face a more balanced defense and can use their natural swing without fighting a three-infielder wall on one side. Pitchers lose a defensive edge; they can no longer rely on the shift to turn weak contact into outs. Teams with strong defensive positioning and pitcher-catcher pitch calling gained importance. Interestingly, teams with elite pitching staffs adapted well by focusing on strikeouts and induced weak contact rather than ground ball management. Teams that had leaned heavily on shift data and analytics had to retool their defensive philosophy.

Can teams still shift in baseball?

Yes, but within limits. Teams can position infielders creatively as long as at least two stay on each side of second base. The outfield remains unrestricted. The ban targets extreme shifts, not subtle repositioning.

Did the shift ban actually increase batting average?

Yes. League-wide batting average rose after the 2023 rule took effect, and the gains were largest for left-handed hitters who had been most hurt by shifts. The effect was real but modest—roughly 10–15 points.

Why did MLB wait so long to ban shifts?

For years, the league believed shifts were a natural evolution of data-driven baseball and part of the game's strategy. It took a decade of declining batting averages and fan complaints about lack of action before MLB decided the shift had tipped too far in favor of pitchers and defense.

Do pitchers hate the shift ban?

Most pitchers dislike it because they lose a defensive advantage. However, elite pitchers who rely on strikeouts and weak contact were less affected. The ban forced pitchers to improve execution rather than lean on positioning.

What about outfield shifts—are those banned too?

No. The ban applies only to infielders. Teams can position outfielders anywhere they want, and many now use that freedom to shade toward pull hitters or the gaps.

Sources

MLB Official Rules, 2023 season—infield shift positioning requirements
MLB.com statistical reports, 2022 vs. 2023 batting average and ground ball data
The Athletic and Baseball Savant analyses of shift impact on left-handed hitter performance