The 2023 MLB season came with newly implemented rules in a goal to create a more fun and exciting environment.
While the pitch clock brought a lot of our social lives back, the differences the rules made are quite drastic.
Through a total of 2,384 games this season, the average game measured in at 2:40 compared to an average 3:04 in 2022, and 3:10 in 2021. The overall batting average has increased from .243 last season, to .248 this year. The strikeout rate also has increased slightly.
The pitch clock has been the biggest change, giving pitchers 15 seconds to throw a pitch when the bases are empty and 20 seconds when there is at least one runner on.
According to MLB Broadcast Operations, pitchers are leaving 6.5 to 7.8 seconds left on the timer on average, indicating they have plenty of time.
With this would come some adjustment errors, of course, but the regular season violations decreased as the season went on.
For baserunning, stolen bases have increased quite a bit. A total of 80.2% steal attempts were successful — that’s 1.8% more per game this season and the highest since 2012. It’s also the highest success rate in baseball history.
Batting average on balls in play (BABIP) has increased by six points from 2022 with ground balls and line drives increasing in all directions.
Overall, the game has changed for the better and the data backs that up. The games are noticeably shorter and everyone seemingly has embraced the changes.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.