Veteran Pitcher Liam Hendriks Slams MLB’s Proposed ‘Golden At-Bat’ Rule: A Threat to the Game

**The Nature of the Game: Tradition vs. Innovation** Hendriks argues that the proposed rule threatens to change the very nature of baseball. Traditionally, the structure of a batting order is designed to create a strategic flow, balancing power hitters with contact hitters and speedsters. The "golden at-bat" rule disrupts this balance, potentially favoring offense over the intricacies of defensive play and pitching strategy. As Hendriks puts it, "You're just changing the entire [nature] of the game." **The Shift Toward Offense** One of the primary concerns raised by Hendriks is the ongoing trend in MLB to shift focus toward offensive performance. In recent years, rule changes like the introduction of the pitch clock have already aimed to speed up the game and encourage more scoring. Hendriks believes that the "golden at-bat" rule would only exacerbate this issue, leading to a game that prioritizes runs over the time-honored skills of pitching and defense. "It’s just another way to add offense," he states, pointing to a growing imbalance in the game. **Compensation and Value of Hitters** Hendriks also suggests that the focus should be on rewarding players for their skills in getting on base rather than creating gimmicks to drive scoring. He advocates for a system where players are compensated for their ability to achieve high batting averages and base hits, which would ultimately lead to a more competitive and strategic game. "When you start doing that, then all of a sudden those guys are getting on base and that's a pain in the a--," he remarks, implying that rewarding skill over gimmicks would yield a more authentic baseball experience.