Worst MLB Rules: How Are Bettors Impacted and Fixes
Every sport has its fair share of stupid rules, but Major League Baseball might be the worst offender for bettors! There are a handful of rules that certainly touch a nerve and cause unneeded frustration.
Bettors who wager on baseball regularly are certainly familiar with the downfalls of the stupidest MLB rules. You think that your bet is a winner, and then bam, not so fast, a ridiculous ruling just ruined things.
While we understand they can work in our favor sometimes, too, it’s the losses that sting the most! Now, let’s break down the worst MLB rules and potential solutions for such tomfoolery.
5 Worst Rules in MLB
1. “Ghost Runner” in Extra Innings
- Official Rule: Automatic Runner.
- Explanation: Runner starts on second base in extra innings
- Issue: Runners should have to earn a spot on the bases. It unfairly punishes pitchers and rewards offenses.
- Effect on Betting: More runs are typically scored, leading to the over/under results changing drastically.
- Solution: No runners allowed on base to open extra innings.
In 2020, Major League Baseball officially introduced the “ghost runner” rule in extra innings for the regular season of the shortened COVID-19 season. In other words, teams begin each inning in extra innings with a runner on second base.
This unfairly penalizes pitchers who now have to deal with a runner on second base before even throwing a pitch! Fortunately, it doesn’t count against a pitcher’s ERA, but still puts them in a bind.
It also has a huge impact on bettors who wagered on the over/under. If you have the under, it opens up the possibility for multiple runs and a frustrating loss! Despite handicapping the game properly, the “ghost runners” have a greater chance of resulting in more runs scored.
Under no circumstances should runners get a free pass on the bases, so we suggest scrapping this rule completely! While our MLB betting guide includes lots of invaluable information, it’s tough to account for the “ghost runner”.
How This Rule Has Affected A Game
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres played a regular season game that went into extra innings with the controversial “ghost runner” rule in effect. The Padres won in walk-off fashion after a defensive miscue by the Dodgers, which allowed the automatic runner to score. Many Dodgers’ players and fans were vocal critics of the rule, arguing that it cheapened extra-inning outcomes.
2. Baserunner Advancing Two Bases on a Ground Rule Double
- Official Rule: Ground Rule Double
- Explanation: Batters are awarded an automatic double if the ball bounces out of play after hitting the ground in bounds. Runners on the bases can only advance two bases — preventing the runner from 1st base from scoring.
- Issue: There are situations where the runner from 1st base could have easily scored, but must go to 3rd base regardless.
- Effect on Betting: The final score is impacted if the runner from 1st base never scores. The total, moneyline, and run line winning side may be altered. It can also have an influence on prop bets for RBIs and runs.
- Solution: If the base runner reaches 2nd base before the ball exits the field of play, they should be awarded home plate.
The ground rule double is one of the oldest rules in baseball. The American League implemented the rule in 1929, and the National League followed in 1931. Depending on the layout of the ballpark and the height of the fence, it can happen more often in some cities than elsewhere.
It’s a fair rule for batters, but I believe there could be some changes for the base runner on 1st base. Instead of putting the brakes on the runner, allow them to score if they’ve already touched second base prior to the ball going out of play.
This is one of the most frustrating rulings as a bettor. The batter at the dish wallops a ball deep in the outfield, only for it to bounce over the fence to prevent the runner from 1st to score!
The pitcher and outfielders shouldn’t be bailed out by a lucky bounce out of play. If MLB is interested in increasing scoring, this is a simple change that should be instituted in the rulebook.
How This Rule Has Affected A Game
In Game 3 of the 2021 ALDS, the Tampa Bay Rays’ Kevin Kiermaier hit a deep fly ball to right field that bounced off Boston Red Sox outfielder Hunter Renfroe, and over the wall at Fenway Park. Yandy Díaz was already rounding third base when the ball left the field, but due to the ground rule double mandate, he was sent back to third base, instead of scoring the go-ahead run. The Red Sox then won the game in the bottom of the 13th inning.
3. Pitchers Must Face Minimum of Three Batters
- Official Rule: Three-Batter Minimum
- Explanation: When a pitcher enters a game, he must face a minimum of three hitters before exiting, barring an injury. This does not apply if the half-inning comes to an end.
- Issue: Managers are being handcuffed in how they implement their pitching strategy, especially in later innings.
- Effect on Betting: The rule removes an element of strategy from managers. Pitchers that don’t have it are forced to stay in until facing a third batter, which can have an impact on the total and subsequently hurt the under.
- Solution: Teams can go to the bullpen after the pitcher faces one batter. However, managers should not be able to visit the mound once per inning without substituting a pitcher. This should be reduced to two times per game unless for an injury.
In another recent rule implemented by Commissioner Rob Manfred, the three-batter minimum rule stipulates that pitchers who enter the game must face three batters. The rule went into effect for the 2020 season in what is explained as another way to speed games up. However, with the pitch clock active now, there is less need for this one.
Although there are supporters of the rule, we don’t see a strong reason for removing a critical strategy from MLB. As more of a baseball purist, managers should have the ability to call on who they want from the bullpen without any limitations. Aside from an injury, managers can’t go to another pitcher.
Prior to the three-batter minimum rule, there was greater flexibility for managers. Some managers were better at the strategy than others, and deep bullpens were rewarded. Now, especially live bettors in later innings, must be cognizant of this Manfred rule that was only installed five years ago.
In my opinion, simply limiting visits to the mound from managers who have no intention of making a change is sufficient. One visit without substituting the pitcher, which is often done to give the bullpen more time to warm up, is too many.
How This Rule Has Affected A Game
In Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, Yankees’ pitcher Tommy Kahnle was the losing pitcher after facing the minimum of three batters against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kahnle gave up two hits, one walk, and two earned in the deciding game of the World Series, raising the question whether New York manager Aaron Boone would have pulled him earlier if he was able to.
4. Final Score Official After 4.5/5 Innings
- Official Rule: Regulation Game
- Explanation: The final score of MLB games is official after 4.5 or 5 innings. If the matchup is shortened due to inclement weather, the game is official if the home team is leading after 4.5 innings or a full 5 innings if the road team is in the lead.
- Issue: Not enough innings have been played to accurately determine a winner in the spirit of baseball. Teams with strong bullpens are penalized as a result. Also, stats are discarded if the game doesn’t go 4.5/5 innings.
- Effect on Betting: The standard rule at MLB betting sites is totals and run lines aren’t paid out before going 8.5 innings. Also, if the game isn’t official, all bets are refunded, even if the game has already gone over the total for the over/under.
- Solution: Games fulfill the regulation game rule following 6.5/7 innings of play. If not, the game will be resumed at a future date, retaining the current score and stats from the time of suspension. Bettors are offered a “cash out” option or may carry over their wager to the continuation.
There isn’t a baseball bettor in the world who hasn’t been affected by MLB’s regulation game rule! As it stands, MLB matchups must complete 4.5 innings for it to be official if the home team is ahead. Conversely, road teams win if they’re ahead after 5 innings.
The vast majority of baseball stadiums are not played indoors or have a retractable roof. Of course, the weather can impact outdoor games, especially in the spring and summer months. Consequently, a regulation game rule is absolutely needed for matchups that don’t go 9 innings.
However, the current cut-off mark for an official result is not enough! Bullpens are a huge part of baseball, and 5 innings don’t allow things to play out to garner a sufficient final score.
In short, 6.5 or 7 innings should have to be completed before a game is called. Likewise, games that don’t reach this mark should resume at a later date.
How This Rule Has Affected A Game
The Toronto Blue Jays lost a home game to the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on April 25, 2024, as the game was called after five innings because of a 3.5-hour rain delay. Neither side was happy about the outcome as the Royals were upset they had to wait so long for the game to be called. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays weren’t pleased as they lost a close game that they could have come back and won.
5. Manager Calls for Automatic Walk of Batter
- Official Rule: Automatic Intentional Walk
- Explanation: Managers can signal to the umpire that they wish to walk a batter without the pitcher having to throw four balls.
- Issue: Mistakes are part of baseball, and this removes the possibility of errant throws from the pitcher on an intentional walk. Either the pitcher could throw a wild pitch, or toss the ball too close to the plate to allow a hit.
- Effect on Betting: Prevents possible runs from being scored, impacting the moneyline, run line, totals, and props.
- Solution: Remove the ridiculous rule and force pitchers to throw four balls.
As one of the worst MLB rules, beginning in 2017 teams had the option of signaling for an automatic intentional walk. Instead of the pitcher throwing four balls, the manager can simply call for an intentional walk automatically.
Although it didn’t happen often, it wasn’t unprecedented for a pitcher to throw a wild pitch on an intentional walk. Sometimes this would result in a runner scoring from 3rd base! Even less common was a pitcher lobbing the ball too close to the plate and the batter seizing the chance for a hit.
A walk in baseball happens after the pitcher throws four balls, so why are we allowing managers to dictate things? Of course, it’s yet another method for quicker games. However, removing something as simple as throwing four balls is going way too far!
How This Rule Has Affected A Game
It’s alos a tough rule for some batters as well. On August 25, 2024, the Miami Marlins were playing the Chicago Cubs. Chicago pitcher Julian Merryweather intentionally walked Miami’s Jesus Sanchez. However, Sanchez failed to touch first base as he was being called by his manager, Skip Schumacher, for a pinch runner. However, because he didn’t touch first base, he was called out after an appeal by the Cubs. The Marlins still won 7-2, but it’s an example on how useless this rule can be. Team and player props would have been affected by the lack of a baserunner after Sanchez was called out.
