STATS HUB • BASEBALL
Impact of the MLB Shift Ban
Did outlawing the infield shift actually save the left-handed pull hitter?
Prior to the 2023 season, Major League Baseball implemented a rule requiring two infielders to be on either side of second base, effectively banning the extreme shifts that had choked offensive production for left-handed pull hitters. We analyzed the BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) to see the results.
BABIP Data (Left-Handed Hitters, Ground Balls & Line Drives)
| Player Profile | 2022 BABIP (Shift Era) | 2023 BABIP (Post-Ban) | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LHB (All) | .283 | .295 | +.012 |
| LHB (Heavy Pull Profile) | .265 | .288 | +.023 |
| RHB (Control Group) | .298 | .301 | +.003 |
The Takeaway
The rule change worked exactly as intended. Left-handed pull hitters saw a significant 23-point jump in their BABIP, resulting in higher batting averages and on-base percentages league-wide, while right-handed hitters (who were rarely shifted against to begin with) saw virtually no change.
FAQ
- What is BABIP?
- Batting Average on Balls In Play measures how often a ball hit into the field of play goes for a hit. It excludes home runs, walks, and strikeouts. League average hovers around .290 to .300.