At the plate, the league will allow so-called “torpedo” bats for the first time. The KBO also removed an exception that had allowed bats not distributed through certified vendors if they were approved for Major League Baseball or Japan’s NPB. Instead, the KBO will allow additional bat certification during the season through Aug. 31, using the same process as the regular January application period.
The newly introduced Asia quota system is expected to be the biggest variable this season. Designed to boost league competitiveness and ease foreign-player recruitment, it allows each club to sign one player from an Asian league — including Australia — for up to $200,000, with no position restrictions. Dual nationals from non-Asian countries are not eligible.
Clubs can now carry four foreign players: the existing three plus one Asia-quota player. All four may appear in the same game. Nine of the 10 teams used the slot on a pitcher. The only club to sign a position player was the KIA Tigers, who added Australian infielder Jared Dale. By nationality, Japan accounts for seven players, Australia two and Taiwan one.
The league is also pushing to shorten games. The pitch clock in the top division has been reduced by two seconds: pitchers must deliver within 18 seconds with the bases empty and 23 seconds with runners on. The Futures League will operate the same as last year.
To speed and improve officiating, first- and second-base umpires will use wireless intercoms, allowing them to communicate with the replay center and handle in-stadium announcements without moving. Replay review has been expanded to include “strategic overruns” at second and third base. A new authority also allows officials to correct an obvious error on a different play not requested by a club during a review.
Base-running interference rules have been tightened. If interference occurs on a pickoff play, the runner will be awarded one base rather than being sent back. Penalties for illegal defensive shifts were clarified, including charging an error to the fielder who first touches a ball in play. For consistent rulings, the foul-line width at all parks was standardized at 4 inches (10.16 centimeters).
Player-protection measures were also updated. Injuries occurring after the start of exhibition play can be placed on the injured list if the move is made within three days of the Opening Day roster announcement. Players who apply for an extension can return to the active roster without waiting 10 days, easing roster strain.
Doubleheaders were tightened as well. They may be scheduled only from April 12 to May 31, and back-to-back weeks of doubleheaders are prohibited. A Sunday doubleheader will be played as two nine-inning games only when a Saturday game is canceled, and teams may add two special roster spots for that day only.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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