MLB examines baseball adjustments amid ongoing drag issues in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 8, 2026, 1:03 PM
Last updated Jul 8, 2026
On July 8, 2026, MLB's efforts to manage baseball characteristics continue to face scrutiny. Morgan Sword, MLB Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, has been involved in shaping the ball's design to meet specific home run targets since 2019. Reports indicate a fluctuating drag on baseballs through recent seasons, impacting offensive strategies and performance. Concerns this summer include production issues leading to discolored baseballs being removed from games, raising questions about league consistency and player adaptation. Continued assessment of baseball performance and its implications on gameplay is underway.
- •MLB reviews baseball characteristics due to ongoing drag fluctuations.
- •Morgan Sword has instructed changes to the ball since October 2019.
- •Discolored baseballs have been removed from play this summer.
- •Teams like the Braves are adjusting their offensive approaches.
- •The league aims for consistency in gameplay amid varied ball designs.
- 1:03 PMYahoo Sports — Do you think MLB can effectively tamper with the ball?
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