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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/base-bigger-bases

In 2023, MLB made its bases bigger. How big are they now?

18 inches square, up from 15 inches.

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  1. 15 inches square
  2. 18 inches square ✔
  3. 24 inches square

Why: MLB grew first, second and third base from 15 to 18 inch squares in 2023. Home plate did not change. The bigger bags give players room to avoid collisions.

Huh, didn't know that: The bigger bases cut 4 and a half inches off the distance from first to second and from second to third.

The dad joke
Why did the bases go to the gym? They wanted to bulk up for 2023.
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References

Answer: 18 inches square. MLB grew first, second and third base from 15 to 18 inch squares in 2023. Home plate did not change. The bigger bags give players room to avoid collisions.

  1. MLB Glossary: Base Sizes www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/base-sizes
    which traditionally have been 15 inches square, but will now be 18 inches square
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition (MLB) mktg.mlbstatic.com/mlb/official-information/2026-official-baseball-rules.pdf
    The bags shall be 18 inches square
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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