Commissioner Rob Manfred proposes new "golden" rule that could revolutionize baseball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, currently leading, are facing their final out with the last batter at the plate. However, Shohei Ohtani, the reigning champion, is not yet due to bat.

Major League Baseball is considering a new rule that would allow Ohtani to bat earlier in the lineup than his designated position.

In October, Commissioner Rob Manfred stated on "The Varsity" podcast that league owners have expressed excitement about the "Golden At-Bat" rule, and it appears to be gaining popularity before the Winter Meetings.

So, what is it?

Each team would have the opportunity to select one individual to present to the plate.

With the Dodgers trailing by one run and their final out approaching, Miguel Rojas is at bat, Chris Taylor is on deck, and Ohtani is in the batter's box.

Dave Roberts can use his Golden At-Bat to bring in the National League MVP, such as the New York Yankees with Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto.

Several variations are being proposed, such as limiting the use of it to the seventh inning or only using it in the ninth.

In preparation for the 2023 season, MLB implemented several changes, including larger bases, a pitch timer, restrictions on shifts, and a "disengagement" rule that allowed pitchers only three pickoff attempts, with the third failed attempt resulting in the runner advancing 90 feet.

Despite the potential dissatisfaction of baseball purists, it is difficult to dispute that the rule changes have had a detrimental impact on the sport.

In the 2024 regular season, the average nine-inning game lasted two hours and 36 minutes, the shortest since 1984. Additionally, there were a record 3,617 stolen bases this season, the most since 1915.

Despite the increase in ticket prices, MLB managed to attract its highest attendance since 2017.

Although purists may not approve, it is evident that the strategy is effective, and it would be more entertaining to see Bobby Witt at the plate in the ninth inning, possibly even twice.

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