• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

MLB Rule Changes A Hit On the Field, TV Ratings

  • Games ran 2:38 vs. 3:09 during the first 11 days of new season.
  • TV viewership, batting averages and stolen bases are up from last season.
MLB rules
Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

During an appearance on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said he’s “thrilled” with the new rule changes transforming the Grand Old Game.

He should be. MLB’s controversial decision to install a pitch clock, widen the bases and ban defensive shifts appears to accomplish what the league and fans wanted. 

Namely, bigger TV audiences and shorter game telecasts, with more action on the basepaths, athleticism and offense.

  • The New York Yankees’ YES Network is off to its best viewership start since 2018. Heading into Monday night’s game, YES Network averaged 380,000 viewers, up 9% from last season. The Yankees’ 5-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday averaged 423,000 viewers.
  • MLB Network posted its most-watched Opening Day in its 14-year history. The network’s telecast of the Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants averaged 348,000 viewers, up 7% vs. the comparable time-period telecast in 2022. It was MLB Network’s best daytime showcase game since 2012.
  • Across MLB, the average game time was 31 minutes shorter over the first 11 days of the 2023 regular season. The average time for nine-inning games was 2.38 vs. 3:09 during the same period last season – and 3:04 by season’s end.
  • Batting average avengers were up to .249 vs. .233 during the first 11 games of the season and .243 by season’s end.
  • The end of defensive shifts appears to be helping left-handed and right-handed batters equally. The batting average for left-handed batters was .245 compared to .236 during the same period last year – and .247 by season’s end. Right-handed batters are hitting .253 vs. .236 during the same period the previous season and .247 by the season’s end.
  • Stolen bases are up too. During the first 11 days, teams averaged 1.3 stolen bases per 1.7 attempts for a 79.6% success rate. During last season, teams averaged 1.0 stolen base per 1.3 attempts for a 74.0 success rate.
MLB pitch count sponsorship.
exclusive

MLB Ready to Sell Sponsorship for Popular Pitch Clock

The pitch clock has sped up games and could bring new money.
April 6, 2023
  • Players and managers appear to be adjusting to the new rules. There were only 125 violations called during the first 141 games or 0.89 per game. The majority (68%) were pitch timer violations by pitchers. Pitch timer violations by batters came in second (25.6%)

The pitch clock has proven so popular that both MLB, and it’s 30 clubs, are starting to field lucrative sponsorship offers.

Manfred notes MLB could still tinker with the rules as the season progresses. But early results this season indicate the changes are a home run.

“We’re thrilled with where we are. We really are,” Manfred told ABC. “Hats off to our players. They’re great athletes.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sorry, Sacramento: Your MLB Team Will Only Be Known As the Athletics 

The club’s new “brand transition guidelines” remove any reference to a place.
Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts after a play during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium.

Gerrit Cole Reverses Opt Out, Stays With Yankees. What’s Next?

Discussions will now start on a potential contract extension to finish his career in New York.

Juan Soto Sweepstakes Underway: Superstar’s Deal Could Reshape MLB

The MLB superstar is set to gain the second-largest contract in U.S. pro sports history.

Cubs Agree to Alter Wrigley As Part of DOJ Settlement

The second-oldest MLB ballpark will have to make upgrades again.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NFL Teams Face Crossroads at Season’s Halfway Point

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.

ESPN’s Jason Kelce Avoids Discipline After Viral Fan Confrontation

The dust continues to settle from Jason Kelce’s viral confrontation.
Tom Brady
November 4, 2024

Tom Brady Won’t Be Punished for Criticizing Packers-Lions Ejection

The “Brady Rules” faced their biggest test so far after Sunday’s broadcast.
November 4, 2024

Sports Drive Fox Corp.’s Revenue Despite Election Ad Overload

The Fox Sports parent posted increases in revenue and earnings.
Sponsored

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
Fubo-TV
November 1, 2024

Fubo Reports 9% Subscriber Growth As Venu Sports Trial Looms

The sports-focused streamer grew revenue by 21%.
Adam Schefter
November 1, 2024

Adam Schefter Uses Same Pirated NFL Clips As Everyone Else

ESPN’s NFL insider posted a video from an illegal stream Thursday night.
October 31, 2024

World Series Delivers 7-Year Ratings Record, Marking MLB’s Big Comeback

Viewership of the five-game win by the Dodgers soared by 74% over last year.
October 31, 2024

Comcast’s Olympic Gold: Paris Games Spark Surge in Peacock Subscribers

Company revenue and Peacock subscriptions rise thanks to a big Olympics boost.