MLB game duration up for the second straight year

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 26: Opening Day celebration includes the unveiling of a large American flag and flying eagle during the singing of the National Anthem during the MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros on March 26, 2026 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.  Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The average nine-inning MLB game played through July 8 lasted nearly 2 hours and 42 minutes, slightly more than four minutes longer than the full 2024 season average. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The average nine-inning MLB game played through July 8 lasted nearly 2 hours and 42 minutes, slightly more than four minutes longer than the full 2024 season average. However, this season’s games have been more than 20 minutes shorter than what they were before the 2023 introduction of the pitch clock, when games averaged more than three hours.

Yankees games have been the longest at 2 hours, 50 minutes, while the Rays have averaged a leisurely 2 hours, 31 minutes -- slightly longer than the average FIFA World Cup matches played this summer.



Sponsored content