Major League Baseball officials are expected to meet with representatives from the MLB Players Association next week to discuss potential rules changes to improve the pace of play in 2018, a source told MLB.com on Thursday.
Still unclear is the specific timing of the meeting, which was first reported by ESPN.com. The league has not confirmed the report.
Among the possible changes are a pitch clock and a limit on the number of catcher mound visits allowed each inning. Other options remain on the table, as well.
At the conclusion of November's Owners Meetings in Orlando, Fla., Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that pace of play remained a top priority for him. The Commissioner has the ability to unilaterally institute rules changes, but he said he hopes to work with the MLBPA on the matter rather than taking it into his own hands.
"What's going to happen with respect to 2018 rule changes is fully dependent on which path we're on," Manfred said in November. "I've been really plain about the fact that my hope -- my preferred path -- is a negotiated agreement with the players, but if we can't get an agreement, we are going to have rule changes in 2018."
According to a source, players have been involved with this issue throughout the process and will continue to be involved.
Any changes would likely need to be established this month in order to be implemented by the start of next season.