'It's Dangerous,' MLB Coaches Rip Rule Change Designed to Prevent Sign Stealing

Multiple MLB coaches aren't in favor of a new rule change designed to prevent sign-stealing that will be implemented during the 2026 season.

First and third-base coaches will now be required to stay within the coaches' boxes outside the first and third-base lines, with Arizona Diamondbacks first-base coach Dave McKay expressing safety concerns.

"It's dangerous right now," McKay said, per Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. "It really is."

The positioning guidance is designed as MLB's answer to a trend in which coaches moved out of their designated boxes in order to get better angles and steal signs by reading pitchers' grips (via MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince).

It's also worth noting that the coach's box is 90 feet from home plate, as coaches have often drifted beyond the box to put more distance between themselves and potential foul balls.

All 30 MLB teams had at least one instance of an exit velocity off the bat of 114 mph or higher in 2025, via Statcast.

Chicago Cubs third-base coach Quintin Berry also isn't a fan of the new rule.

"Every third base coach, we've all been talking about how you're constantly in danger," Berry said, per Drellich and Rosenthal. "You never get a chance to get out of there. You can't get out of harm's way, ever. And I get what they're trying to do. But you're not going to stop anything by putting people in a box."

Still, it seems as though the change will remain in place for the start of the 2026 season on Wednesday.