Overview

• The 'Golden At-Bat' rule, floated by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, would let teams select any player to bat out of turn once per game, potentially enhancing late-game drama.
• The idea is reportedly gaining traction among MLB owners, though it has yet to reach formal proposal or testing stages.
• Supporters argue the rule could increase fan engagement by showcasing star players in critical situations, similar to basketball's emphasis on marquee players in clutch moments.
• Critics, including some players and analysts, believe the rule undermines baseball's traditional structure, where lineups and strategy play a central role.
• The rule may be tested in minor league games before any decision is made about its implementation at the MLB level, continuing the league's trend of experimenting with innovative changes.