How Long Is a Baseball Game? MLB New Rules Updated 2024

Baseball fans frequently ask: How long is a baseball game? In 2023, Major League Baseball (MLB) games averaged about 2 hours and 40 minutes for a standard 9-inning game. Thanks to new rule changes like the pitch clock, game lengths have decreased significantly—almost 30 minutes shorter than in 2022.

In 2024, that trend is expected to continue, with the average game time projected around 2 hours and 35 minutes. However, the actual length of a game can vary based on factors like extra innings or pitching changes. Let's dive into what influences game length and explore the key aspects of the modern baseball game.

Key Takeaways

• Average Game Time: In 2024, the average MLB game is expected to last 2 hours and 35 minutes, thanks to the pitch clock and pace-of-play changes.
• Factors Impacting Game Length: Pitching changes, offensive activity, and extra innings can extend game length, but the pitch clock has significantly shortened games.
• Playoff Game Duration: Playoff games typically last 3 to 4 hours, with no automatic runner in extra innings and more frequent pitching changes.
• Historical and Future Trends: Game lengths peaked in 2021, but new rules have shortened them, with future games possibly dipping below 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Get the latest MLB odds for every game of the entire season!

How Many Innings Are in a Baseball Game?

A typical MLB game consists of 9 innings. In special circumstances like extra innings (if the game is tied after nine), the game can last longer. While nine innings is the norm, the number of innings may differ in amateur, youth, or shortened games, where you may see anywhere from 6 to 7 innings.

Factors That Impact Baseball Game Length

Several key factors affect how long baseball games last. Understanding these can give fans better insight into what makes certain games faster or slower.

1. Pitch Clock (New for 2023):Pitchers have 15 seconds to throw when the bases are empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. Batters must be ready with 8 seconds left. This rule has had the most significant impact on game length, shortening games by an average of 25 minutes.
2. Pitching Changes:On average, each pitching change adds approximately 3 minutes. A game with many pitching changes can easily extend beyond the average length. For example, games that use more than 4 pitchers per team typically last about 3 hours, compared to just 2 hours and 38 minutes for games with fewer pitchers.
3. Offensive Activity:More runs and base runners inevitably prolong a game. In 2022, games with 10+ runs took 14 minutes longer than low-scoring games with 3 or fewer runs.
4. Extra Innings:Extra innings can add significant time to a game. Each additional inning can take roughly 30 minutes.

While these are the major factors, others such as mound visits, replays, or rain delays can also influence game length but have a smaller impact on overall duration.

Historical Trends in Baseball Game Length

The average MLB game time has fluctuated over the decades. Here’s a snapshot of how game lengths have changed:

• In 2021, the average game time peaked at a record 3 hours and 11 minutes.
• By 2023, after the implementation of new rules like the pitch clock, game times dropped to around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

This reduction is significant and expected to continue as players and teams adjust further. In 2024, it is projected that the average game time will be around 2 hours and 35 minutes—one of the shortest in recent memory.

How Long Are MLB Games in 2024?

While the average MLB game length is just over 2 hours and 30 minutes, it’s essential to consider different game dynamics. Extra innings or high-scoring affairs can make games last closer to 3 hours. A quicker-paced game may wrap up in less time, while contests with extended innings or many pitching changes will push that average higher.

How Long Is a Baseball Inning?

An inning in baseball lasts until each team has recorded 3 outs, meaning a full inning includes both the top and bottom halves. The length of each inning can vary based on factors like:

• The number of pitches thrown.
• The number of base runners or runs scored.
• The pace of both the pitcher and the batter.

On average, an inning in baseball can last between 15 to 20 minutes, though this varies greatly depending on the specific game situation.

MLB Game Length With New Rules

The introduction of the pitch clock has revolutionized how long MLB games last. The average length of a game in 2023 dropped significantly compared to previous years, leading to shorter, faster-paced games. In 2024, as players continue adapting, this trend is expected to hold, with games consistently staying under the 3-hour mark.

Average Length of a Baseball Game in 2024

In 2024, the average length of an MLB game is expected to hover around 2 hours and 35 minutes. For comparison:

• In 2022, the average was around 3 hours.
• In 2023, the average dropped to 2 hours and 40 minutes.

With further adaptation to the new rules, future seasons could see game times reduced even further, potentially dipping below 2 hours and 30 minutes.

How Long Is a Playoff Baseball Game?

Playoff games in Major League Baseball (MLB) tend to be longer than regular-season games. The average length of a playoff baseball game is typically around 3 to 4 hours. This is due to several factors unique to the postseason, including:

• High-Stakes Situations: Playoff games are more intense, with every pitch and at-bat carrying more weight. This often results in longer at-bats, more strategic pitching changes, and overall slower pacing as teams take their time to make critical decisions.
• No Automatic Runner in Extra Innings: Unlike regular-season games, where extra innings start with a runner on second base to speed up the game, playoff games do not use this rule. This means extra-inning playoff games can go on for much longer, as there’s no advantage given to the batting team to quickly score.
• More Frequent Pitching Changes: Managers tend to use more relief pitchers in the postseason, often making strategic pitching changes to gain a slight edge. Since each pitching change adds time to the game, this naturally results in longer games compared to the regular season.
• Longer Inning Breaks: Television broadcasts during the playoffs often extend between-inning breaks for additional commercials, adding further time to the game.

Average Playoff Game Length Compared to Regular Season

While the average regular-season game in 2024 is expected to last around 2 hours and 35 minutes, playoff games can regularly stretch beyond the 3-hour mark, especially when extra innings are involved. Some postseason games, particularly those that go deep into extra innings, can last well over 4 hours.

Tips for Fans Attending a Game

If you're planning to attend an MLB game, here are some tips to help you manage your time:

• Budget at least 3 hours for a 9-inning game, allowing for possible extra innings or delays.
• Arrive 30-60 minutes before first pitch to ensure time for parking, finding seats, and enjoying the pre-game atmosphere.
• If you want to catch batting practice, plan to arrive 1.5-2 hours before the game starts.

These tips will help you enjoy a seamless experience while attending a game, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the action.

Get the latest MLB mock drafts from our team of baseball experts + learn updated MLB draft rules.

AI Sports Betting for MLB and Baseball

Enhance your MLB betting experience with the power of AI-driven analytics from Lines.com. Edge from Lines simulates thousands of baseball matchups to deliver accurate game predictions, including final scores and outcomes—backed by a Confidence Score that helps you make smarter betting decisions. With our AI sports betting algorithm, you’ll receive the latest predictions and analysis for every MLB game, giving you an edge over the competition.

Our AI also covers other major sports leagues, but if you’re a baseball fan, here’s how you can use our algorithm to improve your betting strategy:

• MLB: Access game-by-game matchups, pitcher performance analysis, and score predictions, all powered by AI.
• NFL predictions, NBA, NHL, College football, and NCAA Basketball: Expand your sports betting horizons with predictions and insights across other major leagues.

Don’t miss out – get AI-powered MLB picks today and start making smarter bets with the most advanced bet generator available. Sign up now and beat the bookie today! 

The fastest growing social betting app

Sign up Download app

A Final Look at How long Are Baseball Games

Baseball games are shorter than they have been in decades, with the average game time now under 3 hours. Thanks to rule changes like the pitch clock, fans can enjoy faster, more action-packed games in 2024.

Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or a casual viewer, the average length of a baseball game has made watching or attending an MLB game more accessible and enjoyable. The future of baseball looks to be filled with snappier games, which means more excitement in less time.