3 Chicago Cubs who will benefit the most from MLB rule changes

3 Chicago Cubs who will benefit the most from MLB rule changes - Eric Hosmer

Rule Changes that will help:

• Banned shift

As a lefty, Eric Hosmer's ability to hit to the opposite field will help him out in the average batting department in 2023. Going back to last year, specifically in the second half, Hosmer hit the ball to the opposite side at a 32.8% clip, which was higher than the 28.1% he recorded to the pull side. In 2022, Hosmer had a ground ball rate of 56.8% but still managed a .268 batting average.

Banning extreme shifts will open holes for him all over the infield to slap base hit through. Although you can't just throw all previous numbers out the window, groundball hitters that have the ability to go opposite field will benefit. Essentially, it will be hard for defenders to line up correctly against Hosmer, and though his power numbers won't be the greatest, his ability to spray the ball all over the field is where he will find his value in 2023.