The average length of a Major League Baseball (MLB) game typically lasts around 2 hours and 35 minutes to 3 hours. Recent rule changes, such as the introduction of the pitch clock in 2023, have helped reduce game times from the previous average of about 3 hours and 10 minutes to closer to 2 hours and 35 minutes in 2025
. A standard MLB game consists of nine innings, with each inning divided into two halves where each team bats once. The length of each half-inning depends on how quickly the defensive team can get three outs, so game duration can vary significantly. Factors that influence the length of a baseball game include:
- Number of pitching changes (each change adds about 3 minutes)
- Offensive activity and number of runs scored
- Extra innings if the game is tied after nine innings (each extra inning can add roughly 30 minutes)
- Pace of play rules like the pitch clock, which limits time between pitches
Playoff games generally last longer, often 3 to 4 hours, due to more pitching changes and commercial breaks. Games with extra innings or delays (rain, replays) can extend well beyond the average length
. In summary, while the average MLB game now tends to last about 2 hours and 35 minutes, actual game times can vary widely depending on gameplay factors and league rules.
