[Official Announcement] KBO to Phasedly Implement "Introduction of Tiebreaker, ABS Zone Improvement, and Relaxation of Foreign Player Restrictions" in Line with International Standards

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The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) will phasedly reform key league systems to align with international standards, including the introduction of tiebreakers, improvements to the Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) zone setting criteria, and the relaxation of foreign player retention restrictions.

The KBO announced that it held its third board meeting for 2026 on Wednesday, the 7th, to discuss the "Strategy for Continuous Strengthening of K-Baseball Competitiveness," which will be pursued over the three-year period starting in 2027. Additionally, it finalized a revised KBO rulebook that includes adjustments to players' participation activity periods and strengthened criteria for managing off-season game participation and commercial activities.

The "Strategy for Continuous Strengthening of K-Baseball Competitiveness" announced this time is an extension of the competitiveness enhancement project (2023–2026) that has continued since the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The KBO set its goals as winning the 2027 Premier12, securing a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and solidifying its strength to reach at least the quarterfinals of the WBC.

One of the core tasks to realize this is "improvement of game systems." To flexibly respond to changes in international tournament regulations and environments, the KBO plans to phasedly implement measures aligned with international standards, including the introduction of tiebreakers, adjustments to the pitch clock, the establishment of pitcher's mound disengagement restrictions, improvements to ABS zone setting criteria, unification of the pitcher's mound into a single plate, and relaxation of foreign player retention restrictions.

A dedicated organization will also be established for systematic support of the national team. The plan involves formulating an operational manual for the national team and a three-year international competition roadmap, expanding international exchanges, and introducing a "KBO International Headquarters" as a dedicated body to ensure continuity in player development and on-site support.

The board meeting also completed the organization of administrative procedures reflecting field realities through rulebook revisions. First, considering that all 10 teams have been conducting camps uniformly from January 25 since 2025, the official participation activity period in the rulebook and player contracts (including foreign players) was adjusted to "from January 25 to November 23." Consequently, linked club administrative schedules, such as non-activity periods, retention periods, salary arbitration applications, and the submission of registered and retained player lists, will be uniformly moved up by one week. The revised rulebook will take effect from January 1, 2027, and applies to contracts with a participation activity period in 2027.

Criteria for players' off-season external activities have also been strengthened. If a player participates in games during periods outside the participation activity period, they must submit a written document to their club detailing the purpose of the game and measures in case of injury, obtain prior approval seven days in advance, and notify the KBO. Commercial activities, such as broadcast appearances and advertising shoots, are also mandated to require club approval via written submission by seven days before the scheduled date, regardless of whether it is during the season.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original