how long does a mlb game last

A Major League Baseball (MLB) game typically lasts about 2 hours and 36 to 2 hours and 40 minutes for a standard nine-inning game in recent seasons, including 2024 and 2025. This average game length is the shortest it has been in about 40 years, thanks largely to rule changes like the pitch clock that have sped up the pace of play. However, game duration can vary based on factors such as pitching changes, offensive activity, and extra innings, with playoff games often lasting 3 to 4 hours or more due to different rules and more strategic play.