The MLB has made a lot of rule changes to speed up the game.
The goal is to make the games more enjoyable for fans.
MLB has sped up the game and wants more action.
There are several reasons as to why runs per game are up nearly 7 percent from last year.
Below, we will go into detail as to why runs per game are up nearly 7 percent compared to last year and examine if this trend will continue in the future.
Runs Per Game Up Nearly 7% In 2023
There are several reasons why runs per game are up approximately 7 percent in 2023 over 2022.
- 2022: 4.28 runs per game
- 2023: 4.58 runs per game
One big reason is the new limitation on pitcher disengagements and pickoff throws.
Pitchers can only step off the rubber twice during a plate appearance, whether to reset or throw over to an occupied base.
Before this season, there was no limit on step-offs, so this is a significant change.
Base runners know exactly how many times a pitcher can make a move during a given batter-pitcher matchup.
That knowledge allows for more aggressive lead-offs and once two pickoff moves are made, a green light that’s greener than ever before.
With stolen base numbers being at their highest since 1997, it makes a lot of sense that runs per game are also up in 2023.
Another reason for runs per game being up is hits per game is at their highest since 2019.
- 2020: 8.04 hits per game
- 2021: 8.13 hits per game
- 2022: 8.16 hits per game
- 2023: 8.39 hits per game
Batters have been much better at making contact and getting hits this season.
Some of their success could be attributed to pitchers not being accustomed to the pitch clock.
Walks are also up from 2022.
- 2022: 3.06 walks per game
- 2023: 3.26 walks per game
That represents a proportionate 6.5 percent increase.
With stolen bases up, hits per game, and walks per game on the rise, it all coincides with runs per game being up nearly seven percent year-over-year.
Of course, this means the new rule changes are working as the MLB intended and the year-over-year increase represents a major success for commissioner Rob Manfred.
Will Runs Per Game Continue To Be High?
With all the new rule changes, teams and pitchers will have to adjust.
This season was going to be more difficult on pitchers since the rules were geared towards more offense.
Pitchers, catchers, and teams will make adjustments in the offseason to help battle issues caused by the pitch clock and new rules.
While offensive numbers may not go down tremendously, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them dip a bit in the coming seasons.
The expectation is for teams to make adjustments in the offseason and offensive numbers will drop a bit next season and beyond.
MLB Runs Per Game (2023-2013)
| Year | Runs Per Game |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4.57 |
| 2022 | 4.28 |
| 2021 | 4.53 |
| 2020 | 4.65 |
| 2019 | 4.83 |
| 2018 | 4.45 |
| 2017 | 4.65 |
| 2016 | 4.48 |
| 2015 | 4.25 |
| 2014 | 4.07 |
| 2013 | 4.17 |
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