Major League Baseball is considering a rule change that would force runners to slide directly into second base, ostensibly eliminating takeout slides.
While there are still hurdles, namely union approval, the proposal has apparently been discussed, according to FOX Sports’s Jon Morosi.
#MLB considering rule change that would require runners to slide directly into 2B on possible double plays; union approval required.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 10, 2015
The discussion about the merits and legality of takeout slides has accelerated in 2015 thanks to more than one high-profile incident. There was the Cubs’ Chris Coghlan ending Pittsburgh shortstop Jung Ho Kang’s season with an outstretched leg in September. However, if such a rule were to be enacted, it would inevitably come to be known as the Chase Utley Rule, as it was Utley’s leg-breaking slide into Ruben Tejada that really brought the discussion front and center.
Of course, the wording of such a rule would have to be careful, and it would have to be made very clear what is and isn’t acceptable. After all, you can still slide straight into second base with your spikes out and cause plenty of damage.
