MLB announced a six-year extension with PitchCom to continue their working relationship. The new league-wide agreement amounts to the patented pitch-calling system being provided to every Major League team and Triple-A affiliate through at least the 2031 season.
PitchCom first made its appearance in MLB games during the 2022 season and has since become a staple of the relaying of information between the catcher and pitcher. The system offers teams a way to protect themselves from the vulnerabilities of traditional sign-stealing methods as well as illegal ones.
In that same vein, it also helps improve pace of play by streamlining the communication process between pitchers and catchers. It is made possible because there is no longer a need for a complex system of hand signals from the catcher in order to protect pitch calls and location.
PitchCom, in combination with the MLB pitch clock introduced in 2023, has helped facilitate a crisper pace and shorter game times.
The 2025 season produced the best results yet, highlighted by more action and less dead time. MLB’s average game time for the 2025 season was 2 hours and 38 minutes, representing the third consecutive season that time of game checked in at or below 2 hours and 40 minutes.
This past season season also marked the first time in 40 years (1983-1985) that MLB’s average game time was 2 hours and 40 minutes or lower for three years in a row. Additionally, there were only three nine-inning games that lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes or longer during the 2025 season, compared to 391 such games in 2021.
“We appreciate the trust that MLB has shown in PitchCom in extending our relationship. With MLB leading the way on technology, now every major professional league using in-game electronic communication relies on PitchCom to uphold competitive integrity and enhance the pace of play,” co-owner of PitchCom John Hankins said in a statement.
“And soon PitchCom will be standard equipment for all teams competing in the World Baseball Classic.”
MLB rule change for 2026
The Automated Ball Strike (ABS) Challenge System will be implemented on a full-time basis, beginning with the 2026 regular season. The rule change comes after a vote by the joint competition committee.
It is the biggest change to the sport since multiple new rules put in place at the start of the 2023 season. The pitch clock, larger bases and restrictions on shifts have all achieved the desired results of improving pace of play and increasing offense.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
