Connect with us

North America

The Impact of Baseball Rules on Oddsmakers’ Lines

Published

on


As the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season kicked off, three new rule changes were implemented, including a pitch clock, with varying effects on oddsmakers’ lines.

Last year, MLB saw the lowest average runs scored per game since 2015 at 8.57, signaling a decline in offense. In response, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred introduced three rule changes aimed at increasing scoring. The first change involved making the bases larger, reducing the distance between them by 4.5 inches. This has resulted in an increase in stolen bases to an average of 1.4 per game, up from 0.6, with a higher success rate of 85% compared to 67.4% last year.

The second rule change was the elimination of the infield shift, and early results have shown an improvement in batting averages, with a rise from .230 to .246 in the first four games of the season.

However, despite the uptick in offensive numbers, oddsmakers have not rushed to adjust their lines. Many operators have taken a cautious “wait and see” approach, with some seeing the changes as potentially offsetting each other. For example, the introduction of the pitch clock, which requires pitchers to throw within 15 seconds with bases empty and 20 seconds with a runner on base, has not yet shown a direct correlation with increased scoring.

Advertisement

One area where oddsmakers have made adjustments is in prop bets on stolen bases. With the larger bases leading to more steals, some sportsbooks have moved their lines from an over/under of 50.5 to 52.5 after the first four games of the season, as some players have already accumulated four stolen bases.

Despite mixed results on oddsmakers’ lines, Commissioner Manfred has expressed satisfaction with the early returns of the rule changes, citing positive fan reactions to the faster pace and increased action on the field.

Jerome, a valuable addition to the Gamingo.News team, brings with him extensive journalistic experience in the iGaming sector. His interest in the industry was sparked during his college years when he participated in local poker tournaments, eventually leading to his exposure to the burgeoning world of online poker and casino rooms. Jerome now utilizes his accumulated knowledge to fuel his passion for journalism, providing the team with the latest online scoops.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Gamingo.News stands as a premier digital destination dedicated to delivering top-tier news and insights in the gaming and gambling industry. This specialized media outlet garners the attention of over 120,000 readers each month, providing them with engaging content, current news, and in-depth analyses.
The platform offers extensive coverage of various facets of the gaming world, including both online and brick-and-mortar gaming, wagering, esports, updates on regulations and compliance, as well as technological innovations. Regular content includes daily news stories, press releases, unique interviews, and comprehensive reports on events.
Moreover, Gamingo.News organizes webinars pertinent to the industry and offers detailed reports, establishing itself as a comprehensive information source for those interested in learning about gaming market operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services. The portal's main objective is to keep its large audience informed about the latest news, trends, and developments in the gaming and gambling sectors. It focuses particularly on the European igaming market but also covers significant global news, proving to be an invaluable tool for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts.

For inquiries, reach out at: sales@gamingo.news

For editorial or PR submissions, contact: media@gamingo.news

Copyright © 2024 Gamingo.News.