MLB's Pitch Clock: Does It Make the Game More Entertaining?

Are MLB's new rule changes actually making America's pastime more entertaining?

Major League Baseball's new pitch clock: it's been a debate since before it's inception, but numbers don't lie.

Since MLB has initiated the pitch clock, three facts remain.

1. The average length of games has decreased by nearly thirty minutes. 

2. Batting averages are slightly up.

3. Stolen base percentage has also increased.

In 2022, the average time for a MLB game was three hours and three minutes, compared to an average game time of two hours and 37 minutes in 2023.

In 2022, the average MLB slash line was .243/.312/.395; in 2023, the average slash line is .245/.319/.402.

In 2022, the MLB stolen base percentage was 75.4-percent; this year, it's 82.6-percent.

So yes, the game is quicker and faster-paced.

Those are facts.

But are the changes -- including bigger bases and cutting defensive shifts in addition to the pitch clock -- making the game more entertaining?

To make a long answer short, yes -- but that's mostly due to the same amount of action taking place in a shorter amount of time, therefore making the game as a whole more interesting to watch.

Yet not all fans and players agree with the changes, specifically the pitch clock.

Michael Brantley, who is currently on a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys, recently voiced his concern with the pitch clock and stated it was just something he would have to adapt to.

Michael Brantley on dealing with the pitch clock for the first time: “Terrible, terrible. I don’t want to get into details. I don’t like it. It’s an adjustment. I’m a professional. I’ll figure it out. I’ve been doing something the same way for 14 years. Now we’re changing it.” pic.twitter.com/KprSVE57Hc

— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) April 23, 2023

Regardless of how some players and fans dislike the pitch clock, it looks like it's likely here to stay.

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