A shift toward an Automated Ball-Strike System is planned for 2026, starting with a challenge format; the move aims to improve accuracy while weighing the value of umpire roles against fairness.

The 2020 decision to grant immunity to Astros players in the sign-stealing scandal is revisited, with Manfred later suggesting it may have been a misstep and noting the ongoing questions about fairness and integrity.

Rule changes under his watch include the three-batter minimum for pitchers, the automatic runner on second base in extra innings, and the universal designated hitter across all leagues.

The discussion on expanding the playoffs signals a broader shift in postseason structure and its implications for teams, players, and fans, with the excerpt indicating further exploration ahead.

From 2019 to 2020, MLB contracted affiliated minor leagues, shrinking from 160 to 120 teams and eliminating some lower levels, a reorganization that drew antitrust challenges as the league refocused player development.

The 2021-22 lockout, triggered by owners, culminated in a 99-day stoppage and produced a new collective bargaining agreement featuring universal DH, a draft lottery, expanded postseason, and a revised schedule.

Rule changes to speed the game include a pitch clock, with a 30-second batter timer, shorter pitcher deliveries, and a tightened batter’s box, contributing to shorter, more contemporary-length games.

Manfred’s 2015 decision to reinstate Pete Rose for Hall of Fame consideration—though posthumous reinstatement—adds to the debate over governance and gambling-related policy within baseball.

Efforts to globalize MLB continue, with games staged in London, Mexico, and Japan and discussions about potential expansion to cities like Montreal, Nashville, and Portland.

Manfred faced sharp criticism over the A’s relocation pressure and publicly supported ownership interests, highlighting a landmark franchise move toward Las Vegas under his watch.

Overall, Manfred’s leadership is seen as a careful balancing act between pushing reform and managing backlash, with a record of transformative changes that come paired with contentious moments.

As the article notes, Manfred intends to retire in early 2029, framing the current period as a transitional phase between market-driven evolution and the game’s long-standing traditions.

The tenure of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred since 2015 is defined by a mix of bold modernization efforts and notable controversies, yielding an unresolved legacy as the league pursues growth while wrestling with tradition.