The average length of Major League Baseball games played over nine innings increased to 2 hours and 40 minutes in 2023 with the introduction of the pitch clock, a decrease of 24 minutes from the previous season.
The average length of Major League Baseball games played over nine innings increased to 2 hours and 40 minutes in 2023 with the introduction of the pitch clock, a decrease of 24 minutes from the previous season.
The average duration returned to the 1985 level, after exceeding three hours for the first time in 2016. It reached 3 hours and 10 minutes in 2021, and the introduction of the electronic pitch selection device brought it back to 3 hours 04 in last year.
Despite objections from the Players Association, the Major Leagues implemented the clock, setting the time limit for a pitch without a runner on the tracks at 15 seconds and 20 seconds with runners.
“It took a little getting used to, but after that, games go a lot faster,” noted Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa. We don’t waste time. The pace is good, so I think it will stay. »
There have been just nine games that have gone over 3:30 in 2023, a sharp drop from the record 390 in 2021.
“I think it went well,” Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith said. It’s good to go home a little early. No more four-hour matches. »
The Miami Marlins were the fastest, averaging just under 3:25, while the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres were the two slowest teams, at 2:44.
The clock will remain in effect during the playoffs. Last year, nine-inning playoff games lasted an average of 3:23.
“There are more important moments when you need to take a step back and think about what you did or what you are going to do on the mound or at bat,” said Zack Wheeler, who will start the game for the Philadelphia Phillies. against the Marlins on Tuesday. I’m not a big fan of the stopwatch, but we have to live with it. »
Major League Baseball has implemented penalties for violations, including a catch for batters who don’t get into the box quickly enough and a catch for pitchers who don’t throw at the right time.
The Pittsburgh Pirates were punished the most, with 41 violations. The Mariners were the most disciplined with six offenses.
