 |
| Photo=DB |
The league also tightened and clarified its video review procedures. Beginning in the 2026 season, if officials conducting a challenged review identify a clear, obvious officiating error on a different play that was not part of the original challenge, they may correct that separate call. The change is intended to protect fairness and improve decision accuracy, allowing obvious errors to be fixed even when they occur outside the challenged play.
For example, if a checked-swing review is underway and the review clearly shows the ball grazed a player’s body or uniform, the call can be changed to a hit-by-pitch. In such cases, the team’s challenge opportunity is lost.
The KBO will add a Utility category to its defensive awards to recognize players who provide value across multiple positions and to motivate teams. Eligibility requires at least 540 defensive innings and a minimum of 50 innings at three or more distinct positions. Outfield innings in left, center and right will be combined when calculating totals. If a Utility winner would also win another defensive award, the awards cannot be doubled; the Utility prize will not be presented in that situation.
The league will significantly step up checks for foreign substances on pitchers. To protect the integrity of pitching and bolster league credibility, inspections that were previously performed only when umpires suspected an issue or when the opposing team requested a check will now be done routinely. Starting this year, starting pitchers will be inspected at least twice during a game, and each reliever will be inspected at least once. Umpires will also conduct inspections whenever there is suspicion or when the opposing team files a complaint.
Any player found to be using prohibited substances will be ejected immediately and suspended for 10 games.
Doubleheader scheduling rules for the regular season were adjusted to ease player workload and promote stable operations. Reflecting feedback from managers, teams will not be scheduled for doubleheaders in two consecutive weeks this season. Doubleheaders will be scheduled only on Sundays between April 12 and May 31 when a Saturday game is canceled.
The committee reviewed Rookie of the Year eligibility in light of the newly introduced Asia quota system. Questions arose about whether foreign players from independent leagues outside the professional baseball structure should be eligible. The committee decided to exclude foreign players from Rookie award eligibility, citing fairness concerns if only some foreign players were eligible and noting that the rules define rookies, in principle, as holders of South Korean nationality.
Reservist and civil defense training have been added to the list of allowable personal-affairs leave reasons. To help clubs manage rosters and ensure players meet registration-day requirements and military obligations, players may apply for up to five days of leave for reservist or civil defense training with supporting documentation.
Finally, the number of people allowed in the dugout will increase from 47 to 48, adding one spot for the club operations manager who needs dugout access for work. Under the new Asia quota, teams that require additional interpreters may request up to two extra interpreters beyond the standard three, in line with existing rules.
[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu sports@stoo.com]
「Closest, most entertaining coverage ⓒ Sports Today」
