A typical Major League Baseball (MLB) game in 2025 lasts about 2 hours and 35 minutes on average for a standard 9-inning game. This duration has decreased significantly in recent years due to new rules such as the pitch clock. However, game length can vary depending on extra innings, pitching changes, and offensive activity. Playoff games tend to be longer, averaging 3 to 4 hours because of the more strategic pace and no automatic runner in extra innings.
Baseball Game Length Details
- The average game length for a 9-inning MLB game is about 2 hours and 35 minutes in 2025.
- The pitch clock rule, which limits the time pitchers have to throw the ball, has reduced game length by around 30 minutes compared to earlier years.
- Games with many pitching changes or high offensive output can last longer, sometimes close to 3 hours.
- Extra innings add about 30 minutes per inning to the overall duration.
- Regular-season games are typically shorter, while playoff games usually span 3 to 4 hours due to longer breaks and more pitching changes without the automatic runner in extra innings.
Inning Length
- An inning includes both the top and bottom halves, lasting until each team records three outs.
- The length of each inning varies but averages between 15 to 20 minutes depending on game action.
In summary, while the average baseball game is just over two and a half hours, actual game length can fluctuate based on the flow of the game and whether it extends into extra innings or the playoffs.