MLB Games Lasting Longer Due to New ABS System

The Automated Ball-Strike system has been a game-changer, but it may be contributing to slightly longer game times.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the dynamic energy and shifting perspectives of the new Automated Ball-Strike technology.The Automated Ball-Strike system has transformed the game of baseball, creating a new layer of strategy and drama that is reflected in the sport's slightly longer game times this season.Phoenix Today

MLB games have been lasting a little longer this season, with the average nine-inning game creeping up to 2 hours and 42 minutes through the first 2.5 weeks. One potential factor is the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, which has created a 'game-within-the-game' that is producing dramatic moments but also causing minor delays that can add up over the course of a game.

Why it matters

While the ABS system has been widely praised as a positive change for the sport, the slight increase in game times goes against MLB's recent success in shortening games through the introduction of the pitch clock in 2023. The league will need to monitor the impact of ABS and make any necessary adjustments to maintain the progress made in reducing game durations.

The details

Even though an ABS challenge usually takes less than 15 seconds, the mini delays in the game can add up if several pitches are contested. The ABS system might be making a small dent in the progress made by the 2023 rules package that included a pitch clock, which had dramatically shortened games by roughly 25 minutes. However, game times are still considerably shorter than the pre-pitch clock era when a nine-inning game lasted an average of 3 hours and 10 minutes.

  • Through Saturday, the average time of a nine-inning MLB game this season is 2 hours and 42 minutes.
  • Last season, the average nine-inning game time was 2 hours and 38 minutes.
  • In 2024, the average nine-inning game time was 2 hours and 36 minutes.

The players

Corbin Carroll

A 25-year-old outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who leads the majors with three triples in just 14 games this season. He has led the league in triples over the past two seasons with 17 in 2025 and 14 in 2024.

Jordan Walker

A 23-year-old outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who is off to a hot start this season, batting .327 with a 1.138 OPS and 7 home runs through 15 games.

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What they’re saying

“They stepped up, to go out there and throw up five more zeros after that. Offense stepped up, I'm super happy that everyone could pick me up.”

— Andrew Painter, Phillies Rookie Pitcher

What’s next

MLB will continue to monitor the impact of the ABS system on game times and make any necessary adjustments to maintain the progress made in reducing game durations.

The takeaway

The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike system has been a game-changer for MLB, creating dramatic moments and a 'game-within-the-game' for fans. However, the minor delays caused by ABS challenges may be contributing to a slight increase in average game times, which goes against the league's recent success in shortening games. As MLB continues to evolve the sport, finding the right balance between innovation and maintaining efficient gameplay will be crucial.