What is the average MLB game length? Exploring how new pitch clock rules will affect contests

The pitch clock is just one of a slew of new rules introduced by the MLB this season. The timer will introduce perhaps the starkest change to the fluidity of gameplay that we have seen for a long time.

Rob Manfred, the commissioner of baseball, has been making changes to expedite games and promote offense. Some of the other rules set to kick in this season include restrictions on defensive shifts and increased base sizes.

In 2022, the average game lasted 3 hours and 3 minutes. Manfred's office has estimated that the new pitch clock will shave 10 to 12 percent off the average MLB game length.

"MLB’s new pitch clock is going to cut 10-12% off elapsed game time. Sorry purists, it’s a necessary innovation" - @ Darren Rovell

The new pitch clock is likely a change that will represent the biggest departure from what most MLB players have become used to. Under the new pitch clock regulations, there will be a 30-second timer on the pitcher from when the batter enters the box. Pitchers will then have 15 seconds to deliver their pitch if the bases are empty and 20 seconds if there are runners on.

The new timer is not exclusive to pitchers. MLB batters will also be required to be ready to face the pitch before the clock reaches eight seconds. If the batter is not ready in time, a strike will be counted against him.

San Diego Padres star Manny Machado was the first player to fall victim to the pitch clock. During the Padres' preseason opener against the Seattle Mariners, Machado did not assume the ready position until the six-second mark and was thus penalized with a strike against him.

"Now that we got our first look at the pitch clock, we see our first clock infraction. Manny Machado started off his at-bat, 0-1 because he took too long to get into the box" - @ Talkin Baseball

Some pitchers, like Luis Garcia of the Houston Astros, have spoken of how the new pitch clock will affect their delivery. Garcia used to "rock the baby" in motion with the ball before his delivery. Under the new rules, he will not have sufficient time to deliver his trademark pitch.

The new MLB pitch clock is bound to produce some adjustment pains

The new rules were conceived by an 11-member "competition committee" that was set up to facilitate and enact the rule changes following the 2022 lockout. Whether the new rules are popular or not, they are here to stay. Players will need to adjust their gameplay styles to accommodate them.