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If you like stolen bases, then you must absolutely love the new rules that have come to Major League Baseball in 2023. The new guidelines were specifically meant to encourage athleticism and action on the bases, and they’ve done exactly that.

But it’s not really about stolen-base attempts, at least not from a historical point of view. Instead, the story is really about success rate.

We know the environment is different. We know the bases are slightly larger. We know the pitchers are limited in how often they can throw over to first base. So what’s actually happening here to cause the changes we’re seeing? It might not be what you think.

Kevin Kiermaier looks at the short wall in center field like a home-run hitter looks at a short porch, and he wasted no time shocking Rogers Centre with his first highlight-reel grab in the second inning of the Blue Jays’ home opener.

Now 22 years old and in his third MLB season, Rays shortstop Wander Franco appears to be closer than ever to living up to the potential that made him one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory.

Already in the early going this season, we’ve seen a number of top prospects make their big league debuts or start the year in the Majors. So: Who’s next?

With the complete package of Minor League Ballpark Guides available, road trip planning is inevitable. May we offer some suggestions?

Major League Baseball’s Play Ball initiative was invited to the White House this week to participate in the annual Easter Egg Roll, a tradition that started in 1878.

It starts with Padres vs. Mets at 1 p.m. ET, followed by Nationals vs. Angels at 4, Tigers vs. Blue Jays at 7, and then the conclusion of Dodgers vs. Giants.

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