The average length of a Major League Baseball (MLB) game in 2025 is about 2 hours and 39 minutes, reflecting a significant decrease due to the introduction of the pitch clock and other pace-of-play rules
. In 2024, the average game time was approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes, the shortest since 1984, down from a peak of over 3 hours in 2021
. Key factors influencing game length include:
- The pitch clock (15 seconds with bases empty, 18-20 seconds with runners), which has shortened games by about 25 minutes on average
- Number of pitching changes, with each change adding roughly 3 minutes.
- Offensive activity, as more runs and base runners extend game time.
- Extra innings, which can add about 30 minutes per inning
A typical MLB game consists of 9 innings, with each inning lasting roughly 15 to 20 minutes, though this varies by game situation
. Playoff games tend to be longer, averaging 3 to 4 hours, due to more pitching changes, no automatic runners in extra innings, and extended commercial breaks
. In summary, the average MLB game today lasts around 2 hours and 35 to 40 minutes, a notable reduction from previous years largely thanks to recent rule changes aimed at speeding up play
