MLB Pitch Clock Could Be Shortened to 18 Seconds With Runners on Base in 2024

MLB pitchers might have to get even quicker next season.

After the first full season with an official pitch clock, MLB may look to shave two seconds off the 20-second limit with men on base and force pitchers to deliver their pitches within 18 seconds in those situations in 2024.

MLB's competition committee is weighing a proposal that would reduce the pitch clock with runners on base from 20 seconds to 18 next season, according to ESPN. The 15-second clock without runners on base would remain the same.

The 2023 season saw the average time of a nine-inning game decrease from 3 hours and 4 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes. However, average game times increased later in the season. The average game time was 2:37 in April and May but jumped to 2:39 in June, 2:40 in July, 2:41 in August and 2:44 in September.

The 20-second time limit with men may have proven to lengthen the time of games. Last year, 14% of pitch clock violations occurred with runners on base. On average, pitchers began their deliveries with 6.5 seconds remaining on the 15-second clock but 7.3 seconds left on the 20-second clock, according to ESPN.

The competition committee consists of six team representatives, four players and one umpire, giving teams a weighted advantage over players in the decision-making process.