What is the average MLB game length after adopting new pitch clock rules?

When the new pitch clock rules were announced, fans were divided over subsequent shortened MLB game length. While some welcomed the changes wholeheartedly, others were vehemently in favor of the "traditional" duration. With the game getting longer every year and topping out at over three hours on average, the commissioner decided to step in and make a change.

They’ve been experimenting with a pitch clock in the minor leagues for a while and it was very successful. So, in 2023, they decided to apply it to the majors as well. Now, all baseball games have pitch clocks. But has the average MLB game length dropped at all?

According to The Ringer, it has. For example, Sandy Alcantara threw a nine-inning complete game shutout in one hour and 57 minutes. On average, the games last 31 minutes less this season.

The average nine-inning game is now just two hours and 38 minutes. Last year in the same span, the average MLB game length was 3:09 before evening out to 3:04 for the full season. The average hasn't been this low since the 1980s, though.

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New MLB game length is an adjustment for players

Players had grown accustomed to the way the game was played. It was slower, more methodical and allowed them to play a certain way. Now, it's a lot more fast-paced. Not only is adhering to the new clock an adjustment, but also the game speed.

Colorado Rockies star C.J. Cron said it was a learning experience.

"I've never experienced anything like this. So I guess we're still learning but yeah, it seems like there's not much downtime, especially on defense. It feels like there's always action going on."

Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumacher made an interesting comparison.

“You lift the most weight when you have a little bit of rest ..If you’re maxing out, you’re waiting a couple of minutes before your next rep. If you’re not conditioned, that next rep isn’t as good as the first rep. That goes with pitching, too. How sharp are you going to be if you’re not conditioned?

So far, the pitch clock is working exactly as the league offices wanted it to.