Major League Baseball may have just invented a new way for players to get on base.

The big leagues currently have a three-year deal with the Atlantic League – of which the Somerset Patriots are a member – to try out new rules on a small scale. Basically, the independent minor league is being used as a guinea pig.

Come Friday, that will mean allowing players to steal first base.

Yes, you read that right. Steal first base.

Once the Atlantic League’s second half begins, players will be permitted to dash for first base on any pitch – in any count – that isn’t caught cleanly by the catcher, according to the Washington Post.

So, a wild pitch to the backstop could – and probably will – soon be punished by allowing a runner on base.

Of course, testing this rule out in the Atlantic League does not mean that MLB will adopt it. And even if the big leagues decide to bring it on board, it probably won’t happen all that soon.

Stealing first base is only one of the rules that the Atlantic League will implement later this week. The league is also installing “robot umpires” to call balls and strikes starting with its all-star game on Wednesday.

The robot ump has been a hotly debated topic in baseball circles for years now. The Atlantic League’s system, which was workshopped by MLB, will involve “human umpires wearing a Bluetooth-connected earpiece, connected to an iPhone, connected to a software program in the press box,” per the Washington Post. The human umpire also has the ability to overrule the software’s decision.

The Atlantic League has also been experimenting with banning defensive shifts, prohibiting mound visits and a three-batter minimum for new pitchers.

Matt Stypulkoski may be reached at mstypulkoski@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @M_Stypulkoski. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.