Currently, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) limits, as an example, a 34-inch bat’s minimum weight to 31 ounces. It’s called a “Drop 3” bat because the weight in ounces is three “units” less than the length of the bat (34 inches; 31 ounces.)

Beginning in the spring of 2028, high-school baseball players across the nation will be able to use lighter bats, and the minimum weight allowance for a 34-inch bat will be 28 ounces, or a “Drop 6” bat. “Drop 4” and “Drop 5 “bats will also be legal in 2028.

To Samuel Skinner, Head Varsity Baseball Coach at South Mecklenburg in Charlotte, North Carolina, these are significant — and unexpected — changes in bat specifications. In this episode of All About Baseball, Skinner offers his pros and cons of the relaxed weight restrictions, and offers his bottom-line reason as to why they were implemented.

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Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

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