MLB nine-inning games average 2:42 after ABS challenge system debut

The average nine-inning MLB game lasted 2 hours, 42 minutes this season, up 3 minutes and 43 seconds from last year after the introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System. MLB attributed 61 seconds of the increase to the system, which lets players challenge ball-and-strike calls for computer review. Games remain substantially shorter than in 2022, before the pitch clock helped cut average game times; the average was 2:36 in 2024 and 2:38 last year.