John Smoltz is all in on the MLB's new rule changes ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks they're going to have a huge, positive impact on the game.
"With the rule changes to get the game action-packed again," the Braves legend said, "I think it's going to be phenomenal."
The league introduced a slew of new regulations for 2023 ... putting a timer on pitchers and hitters, making bases bigger and banning teams from implementing defensive shifts in their infields.
They've only been in place for two days (outside of spring training) ... but Smoltz is already loving what he's seeing.
In fact, the 55-year-old ex-Atlanta closer says he wishes there was a pitch clock back in his day!!
"Everything about what's gone on, and what is going on, is going to be, at the end of the day, people are going to look back and go, 'What an exciting year,'" the Hall of Famer said.
Smoltz also sent a message to the baseball purists who have been upset with the changes -- explaining they're really no different than the implementation of shot clocks in the NBA and play clocks in the NFL.
The former Cy Young winner will get an in-person look yet again at all the changes on Saturday ... he's calling the Yankees vs. Giants game at 4:05 PM ET on FOX. And, in addition to watching how everyone continues to react to the new statutes ... he also said he's fired up to see Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe, two Yankees whom he's very fond of.