The official introduction of the pitch clock system and the reduction of extra innings are expected to enhance the speed of games
The upper and lower ABS strike zones have been adjusted downwards by 0.6 percentage points
Weekend games during the hot weather will start at 6 p.m., one hour later than before
The broadcasting and stadium scoreboard speed display will be unified
The home game organization method for the Korean Series has changed to a 2-3-2 format
The opening of the 2025 KBO League, which began with ten days of preseason games starting on the 8th, is just three days away. To strengthen the fairness of the league and present a more thrilling baseball experience, the new regulations introduced and changed this season in the KBO League are as follows.
▲ The official introduction of the pitch clock system and the reduction of extra innings
The 'KBO League customized pitch clock,' which was tentatively introduced last season and officially adopted in the KBO Futures League after a season-long testing process, will be officially introduced in the KBO League starting this season.
The introduction of the pitch clock system primarily aims to reduce unnecessary game delays to present fans with a more thrilling experience, rather than imposing penalties. Based on the trial operation from last season, the rules have been adjusted to minimize confusion and the impact on game performance due to sudden changes. With expectations for reduced game duration, the pitch clock was applied in the early rounds of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) earlier this year and is likely to be applied in the 2026 WBC as well, providing an advantage for players' adaptability in international competitions. Additionally, with the implementation of the pitch clock, the extra innings, which were conducted up to the 12th, will be reduced to the 11th inning.
▲ Adjustment of the ABS strike zone
The ABS strike zone, which was first introduced last season and significantly contributed to improving the fairness of the league, has also undergone slight adjustments. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) carefully reviewed various game metrics, comparative analyses of ABS judgment zones, and anticipated changes due to adjusted strike zones. They considered field opinions through manager meetings, executive committee discussions, expert advisory sessions, and player surveys to establish a new strike zone.
Last season, the height applied proportional to the height of the batter was set at an upper limit of 56.35% and a lower limit of 27.64%. Starting this season, the upper and lower limits will be reduced by 0.6 percentage points to 55.75% and 27.04%, respectively. The size of the strike zone itself, including mid and end points and width, remains unchanged.
The KBO plans to continue communicating with the field throughout the season to study improvements in ABS operations through related data, video analysis, and expert consultations, aiming for fair and stable ABS operations.
▲ Expansion of the running area for batters on the 1st base 3-foot line and unification of width across all stadiums
The existing rule, which required players to run inside the 3-foot line drawn on the back half of the home ground at first base, will be expanded to allow running on the dirt area inside the fair territory of first base. However, simply running on the grass does not automatically result in the runner being out. If an umpire determines that a player interfered with the fielder making a throw to first base by running on the infield grass, that player will be ruled out for a rule violation.
To this end, the KBO adjusted the width inside the foul line along the 1st base of all stadiums to a range between 45.72cm and 60.96cm during the offseason.
▲ Expansion of video review subject plays
When determining fair/foul and a batter's foul/miss during an at-bat, the evaluation will now include whether the body or equipment of a base-runner outside the batter's box was hit by the ball.
▲ Change in the starting time for games during the hot weather
To minimize the impact of prolonged heat on fans visiting the ballpark and player performance due to extreme weather conditions, the starting time for weekend games in the hot season (July-August) has been changed from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, doubleheaders will no longer be scheduled in June (starting June 2), along with July and August.
Furthermore, considering the ongoing heat in September and prioritizing the safety of spectators, staff, and players, discussions will be held to determine future games after September.
▲ Unification of broadcasting and stadium scoreboard speed display
The TrackMan system will be introduced in all KBO League stadiums to measure and display pitcher speed under the same conditions. Furthermore, this information will be linked to broadcast screens, allowing fans watching on TV or mobile devices to access the same data.
▲ Change in the KBO Korean Series home game organization method
The game organization method for the Korean Series will also change. Previously, the maximum of five games was arranged in the home stadium of the KBO regular season's first-place team, and two games in the home stadium of the playoff winner (2-2-3 format). Starting this year, the first place team will host games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while the playoff-winning team will host games 3, 4, and 5.
▲ Establishment of the KBO commemorative award for the managerial sector
A managerial award has been newly established in the KBO commemorative awards, which previously only recognized players. Managers who have accumulated 500 wins in the regular season, increasing by 100 wins thereafter, will be awarded the commemorative prize. So far, three active managers have achieved over 500 wins: Kim Kyung-moon from Hanwha (938 wins), Kim Tae-hyung from Lotte (711 wins), and Yeom Kyung-yeob from LG (568 wins). KT's Lee Kang-cheol is in sight of the 500-win commemorative award with 457 wins. Additionally, the 'Manager of the Year' will be chosen by a press vote after the season.
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