The average length of Major League Baseball games played over nine innings increased to 2 hours 40 minutes in 2023 with the introduction of the pitch timer, 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 40 minutes in 2023 with the introduction of the pitch timer, 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 3:10 in 2021, and the introduction of the electronic pitch selection device brought it back to 3:00. 04 last year.
Over the objections of the Players’ Association, the Major Leagues implemented the timer, setting the time limit for a pitch without a runner on the trails to 15 seconds and 20 seconds with runners.
“It took a while to get used to it, but once you do, the games are 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 only been nine games that went beyond 3:30 in 2023, down sharply from a record 390 in 2021.
“I think everything went well,” Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith said. It’s good to go home a little early. There are 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, clocking 2:44.
The timer will remain in effect during the playoffs. Last year, nine-inning playoff games lasted an average of 3:23.
“There are more important times when you need to step back and think about what you’ve done or what you’re 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 timer, but we have to live with it. »
Major League Baseball has implemented penalties for violations, including a catch for batters who do not place themselves in the box quickly enough and a ball for pitchers who do not throw on time.
The Pittsburgh Pirates were punished the most with 41 violations. The Mariners were the most disciplined with six offenses.
