MLB to Combat Pitch Tipping: Umpires in 2026 to Enforce Base Coaches’ Positioning

MLB umpires in 2026 are expected to strictly enforce a rule requiring first- and third-base coaches to remain in their designated boxes.

Third base coach Bob Henley of the Washington Nationals signals to a base runner from outside the coaches box during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park in Washington, on June 26, 2017. Rob Carr/Getty Images

Coaches along base paths beware. This coming MLB season, umpires will be watching closely that those stationed at first and third bases remain in their designated boxes prior to a pitch being thrown.

For decades, Rule 5.03(c) has been in the Official Baseball Rules Book. However, rarely has this rule, involving first- and third-base coaches, been enforced. A deep dive into whether a coach either at the Triple-A or MLB levels has ever been penalized for not following this rule—which is found on page 18 in the chapter Playing The Game—revealed no ejections or fines imposed for the practice.