Why MLB Should Abolish the Intentional Walk After the Shohei Ohtani Debacle

Baseball is a game of strategy, skill, and suspense—but the intentional walk is a relic of the past that disrupts the flow of the game. The recent controversy involving Shohei Ohtani and the intentional walk rule has reignited debates about whether MLB should finally eliminate this outdated tactic. Fans, analysts, and even players argue that it slows down the game, reduces excitement, and—worst of all—feels like a cheap way to avoid real competition.

In this article, we’ll explore why the intentional walk rule is problematic, how it affects the game’s integrity, and why MLB should consider abolishing it for good.