Report: MLB Changes to Strike Zone, Intentional Walks Coming

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A smaller strike zone and simulated intentional walks could be on the horizon for Major League Baseball.

According to a report, MLB's competitive committee agreed to strike zone and intentional walk changes at the owners' meetings this week.

The committee has reportedly agreed to raise the lower part of the strike zone to the top of the hitter's knees. As for the new intentional walk rule, a team would be able to simply award an intentional walk to an opposing hitter without any pitches being thrown.

The new reported rules could go into effect as early as 2017.