If we look at Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2021 through 2026, the statistical changes have not been particularly dramatic, despite the introduction of several new rules, including the pitch clock, larger bases and the ABS system. In many ways, MLB has tried to change the style and pace of the game without significantly altering the overall performance of players and teams.

Since the rule changes, we've seen fewer prolonged stoppages, more action, more stolen bases, more balls in play and less reliance on strategies that once made games feel increasingly predictable. Pitchers are now working against the clock, hitters must be ready within a defined window, and baserunners have a slightly better opportunity to take an extra base after the bases were enlarged from 15-by-15 to 18-by-18 inches.

Since 2023, pitchers have been given a limited amount of time to deliver the pitch, while hitters are required to be alert and ready within that window. MLB also limited defensive shifts, a strategy that had allowed teams to position three or even four defenders on one side of the field based on where a particular hitter was most likely to put the ball in play.

The goal was to bring back more singles, doubles and traditional defensive plays. Yet, according to the league-wide numbers compiled by Baseball-Reference, the broader statistical profile of the game remains remarkably stable. Many of the major offensive and pitching trends have stayed within a relatively narrow range.

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MLB Offensive Averages Per Game, 2021-Present

• 2021: R 4.53, H 8.13, HR 1.22, SB 0.46, AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS .244/.317/.411/.728
• 2022: R 4.28, H 8.16, HR 1.07, SB 0.51, AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS .243/.312/.395/.706
• 2023: R 4.62, H 8.40, HR 1.21, SB 0.72, AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS .248/.320/.414/.734
• 2024: R 4.39, H 8.20, HR 1.12, SB 0.74, AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS .243/.312/.399/.711
• 2025: R 4.45, H 8.26, HR 1.16, SB 0.71, AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS .245/.315/.404/.719
• 2026: R 4.48, H 8.18, HR 1.15, SB 0.68, AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS .244/.318/.401/.719

The numbers show just how similar MLB's overall offensive environment has remained throughout the decade. Runs per game have stayed between 4.28 and 4.62, while batting average has remained clustered around the .243-to-.248 range.

Stolen bases are the clearest example of a meaningful change. After sitting below 0.50 per team per game in 2021, the league jumped above 0.70 beginning in 2023. Even so, the increase has not fundamentally transformed the overall run-scoring environment.

MLB Pitching Averages Per Game, 2021-Present

• 2021: ERA 4.26, BB 3.25, K 8.68, WHIP 1.297
• 2022: ERA 4.28, BB 3.06, K 8.40, WHIP 1.266
• 2023: ERA 4.33, BB 3.25, K 8.61, WHIP 1.315
• 2024: ERA 4.07, BB 3.07, K 8.48, WHIP 1.270
• 2025: ERA 4.15, BB 3.16, K 8.36, WHIP 1.289
• 2026: ERA 4.17, BB 3.37, K 8.37, WHIP 1.303

The pitching side tells a similar story. There is no dramatic year-to-year shift in the league-wide numbers during this period.

ERA has remained between 4.07 and 4.33, while WHIP has fluctuated from 1.266 to 1.315. Walks have stayed within a relatively narrow range of 3.06 to 3.37 per team per game, and strikeouts have remained between 8.36 and 8.68.

In other words, when MLB's collective batting and pitching numbers are viewed together, the game has not undergone a statistical revolution despite the significant rule changes introduced over the past few seasons.

Technology Has Not Disrupted MLB's Statistical Profile

Contrary to some of the concerns surrounding the introduction of technology and new rules, the changes have not fundamentally altered the statistical identity of MLB. If anything, they have made the game faster, more dynamic and, in some situations, more consistent.

PitchCom, Statcast, cameras, biomechanical tracking, player-tracking systems and, most recently, ABS have made technology an increasingly central part of the sport. Yet the league-wide numbers suggest that these tools have not fundamentally disrupted offensive or pitching performance.

ABS is perhaps the most significant technological development because MLB is changing something that once seemed almost untouchable: how the strike zone itself is determined.

Players have had to adapt to these changes, just as they have adapted to the pitch clock, larger bases and restrictions on defensive positioning. So far, the broader statistical picture suggests that MLB has been able to modify how the game is played without dramatically changing what the game produces.

The game looks different. It moves faster. There is more activity on the bases, fewer defensive shifts and a greater technological presence.

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