MLB hoped to encourage base stealing with two changes. The base bags were slightly enlarged in size. And pitchers are restricted to two free pick-off throws to hold the runner, with the third throw giving the runner an extra base if it is unsuccessful in achieving an out.
So far, the early season results indicate that MLB is getting what it wanted. Stolen bases are both more prolific and more successful. Stolen bases currently are on pace to exceed last year’s total stolen bases by 12%. Furthermore, the current stolen base success rate is 81% which is higher than last year’s success rate of 75%.