Evaluating the actual impact of the MLB rule changes in 2023

Time of games

In the case of the pitch clocks, the data has been clear, decisive and unlikely to revert any time soon.

The new rule basically requires a pitcher to deliver a pitch with 15 seconds of receiving the ball when there are no runners on base. With a runner or runners on base, the pitcher has an additional five seconds.

Failure to comply is an automatic ball.

The batter is also under a requirement, namely that he be ready to engage the pitcher by the time the clock strikes eight. Failure on the batter’s part to meet his obligations under this rule results in a strike being called.

The impact has clearly been toward more concentrated action. Thus far the average length of game has been 2:39. That’s an imposing 27 minutes faster than the 3:06 average game time from just one year ago, and in line with the pace of games from 40 years ago.

The season-to-season reduction amounts to 15 percent, and all of that appears to have been time when nothing was happening anyway. To the extent there were critics of the pitch clock idea before the rule was implemented, the data seems irrefutable.

There are a few unanswered questions beginning to be asked regarding unintended consequences of the change. With pitchers throwing more pitches in a shorter time, is pitch quality compromised due to reduced recovery periods between pitches? What about potential arm strains brought about by throwing the same number of pitches in 15 percent less time?

There’s no data yet to project whether those or related concerns have any validity.