The MLB implemented new rules at the start of the season in order to speed up the pace of games. So far, so good.
According to Pro Baseball Reference, the average baseball game in 2023 thus far has lasted two hours and 38 minutes. This is drastically up from the 2022 average game time of three hours and six minutes.
But for major sports leagues, money is always the main priority. And the reduced average game length has hurt Major League Baseball teams on the financial front, as noted by TMZ Sports.
As TMZ Sports pointed out, MLB ballparks traditionally end beer sales by the seventh inning. But the reduced time length in games has prompted the Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins have extended beer sales into the eighth innings.
And according to TMZ Sports, “other teams are also considering making a similar move.”
MLB clubs and other sports teams usually end alcohol sales as a way to reduce the chances of patrons drunk driving after games. Four teams have decided to tweak the rules just two weeks into the season, and time will tell how many other clubs decide to follow suit.
In order to speed up the pace of play, MLB implemented a 15-second pitch clock for pitchers. If the team batting has a runner(s) on base, the pitcher will have 20 seconds to throw between pitches. If there’s a pitch clock violation, the pitcher will be charged with a ball.
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Looking to expand offense, MLB also banded the defensive shift alignment and increased the size of bases.
