• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Hollywood Stars Pitch MLB Rule Changes for New Season

  • Bryan Cranston, Sebastian Maniscalco star in new MLB ad campaign.
  • Goal: Convince fans that new rule changes will make the game faster, better.
Bryan Cranston stars in new MLB ad campaign
MLB

Major League Baseball’s business strategy for the 2023 season revolves around convincing fans that rule changes like the pitch clock, larger bases, and limits on defensive shifts will energize and speed up the Grand Old Game. 

MLB is turning to Hollywood heavy hitters Bryan Cranston and Sebastian Maniscalco for a new ad campaign to reinforce that message. 

In the spots, the two stars explain how the rules changes will eliminate some dead time compared to past seasons. The tagline: “Three New Rules. More Great Action.”

In one spot, Cranston (the former star of “Breaking Bad,”), predicts more action on the basepaths like the glory days of stolen base king Rickey Henderson.

“Get that shift outta here. Free up the players to put on a show,” says Cranston in the spot. “It’s the best game in the world. Now it’s even better.”

WBC ratings high

World Baseball Classic Final Draws Record TV Viewership

Japan’s 3-2 victory over the USA drew 5.2 million viewers across Fox.
March 22, 2023

Funnyman Maniscalco, meanwhile, applies his observational humor in several new spots, where he interacts with Little Leaguers.  

“I’m excited about Major League Baseball. They’re putting limits on the shift,” Maniscalco says in one spot. “It’s going to create more athleticism. More action. Game’s going to be amazing this year.”

Baseball is also highlighting its young stars in the campaign.

MLB players such as Tim Anderson of the Chicago White Sox, Nestor Cortes of the New York Yankees, and Daniel Vogelbach of the New York Mets all appear in new commercials.

The funniest shows Vogelbach, a lumbering, 270-pound DH, trying to notch his first career steal due to the larger bases. A dismayed Mets manager Buck Showalter can’t even watch.

We’ll see if MLB’s strategy to draw more fans to the ballpark and TV by making the game family-friendly will work. But coming off the triumph of the World Basic Classic, MLB looks to have plenty of momentum heading into Opening Day on March 30th.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.

ESPN Ends Its Wild-Card Coverage With Historic TV Ratings

Wild-card viewership surges 64% to a record in the current format.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.
Taylor Swift
October 7, 2025

Taylor Swift Explains Why She Isn’t Playing Super Bowl Halftime

She said she’s “too locked in” on Travis Kelce’s season to perform.
Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive
October 7, 2025

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 7, 2025

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.
UFL Football
October 7, 2025

UFL Moving Three Teams to Soccer Stadiums in Columbus, Orlando, and Louisville

The UFL is moving its teams to smaller stadiums.
Scott Foster
October 6, 2025

NBA Refs Testing Earpieces in Preseason Games

The technology won’t be used in the regular season yet.
Soccer
October 6, 2025

UEFA ‘Reluctantly’ Approves LaLiga, Serie A Matches Abroad

The matches need final approval from FIFA.