Introduction
If you’ve ever followed Major League Baseball (MLB), you know the season seems to go on forever. One day it’s spring and Opening Day, and the next thing you know, it’s fall and teams are fighting for playoff spots. But exactly how many games are in an MLB season?
Let’s break it down so you understand the structure, the schedule, and why baseball has one of the longest seasons in professional sports.
Regular Season Structure
Total Number of Games Per Team
Each MLB team plays 162 games during the regular season. This has been the standard since 1961 (for the American League) and 1962 (for the National League).
Number of Teams and Game Matchups
There are 30 MLB teams split evenly between the American League (AL) and National League (NL). Each team plays against opponents from both its own league and the opposite league.
Duration of the Regular Season
The MLB regular season typically begins in late March or early April and runs through the end of September or early October, spanning roughly six months.
Game Breakdown
Divisional Games
Each team plays 13 games against each of its 4 divisional opponents, totaling 52 divisional games. These matchups are key because they often determine playoff qualification.
Interleague Games
Starting in 2023, MLB introduced a more balanced schedule. Now, each team plays 46 interleague games, meaning matchups between AL and NL teams are more frequent than before.
Intra-league Games
The rest of the games (around 64) are played against non-divisional opponents within the same league.
Spring Training and Preseason
Purpose of Spring Training
Before the regular season begins, teams participate in Spring Training to get players back into game shape and evaluate rosters.
How Many Games Are Played in Spring Training?
Spring Training typically includes 25–30 games per team, depending on scheduling and weather.
Note: These games don’t count toward the 162 regular-season total.
Postseason and Playoff Games
After the regular season, eligible teams enter the postseason, which includes:
Wild Card Series
- Best-of-3 format
- Involves 4 teams per league (2 Wild Card matchups)
Division Series
- Best-of-5 format
- 4 teams per league
Championship Series
- Best-of-7 format
- Winners from each Division Series
The World Series
- Best-of-7 format
- One AL team vs. one NL team for the championship
Depending on how far a team advances, a club could play up to 20 additional postseason games.
Historical Changes in the MLB Schedule
The Evolution from 154 to 162 Games
Originally, MLB teams played 154 games per season. This increased to 162 as the league expanded.
- AL expanded to 162 games in 1961
- NL followed in 1962
Adjustments During Strikes and COVID-19
- In 1994, a player strike cut the season short.
- In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the season to 60 games.
- In 2021, the season returned to the full 162-game format.
Comparisons With Other Major Leagues
| League | Games Per Season (Per Team) |
| MLB | 162 |
| NBA | 82 |
| NHL | 82 |
| NFL | 17 |
As you can see, MLB has the longest regular season of all major American sports leagues.
Why So Many Games?
Revenue and Fan Engagement
More games = more ticket sales, merchandise, TV contracts, and ad revenue. Plus, baseball has a rich tradition of being an everyday event during the summer months.
Baseball as a Daily Sport
Unlike football, baseball is less physically demanding per game, allowing teams to play almost daily. This frequency adds a layer of strategy and endurance to the season.
Player and Team Impact
Managing Player Fatigue
With 162 games in just over six months, teams must rotate players, rest pitchers, and use deep benches to stay competitive.
Importance of Depth and Strategy
Successful teams are the ones that manage their lineups, pitching rotations, and minor league call-ups smartly over the long haul.
Conclusion
So, how many games are in an MLB season? The answer is 162 regular-season games per team, plus potential postseason games. The structure demands stamina, skill, and strategy from every club and keeps fans engaged for most of the year.
If you’re planning to follow a team, get ready for a marathon, not a sprint!
FAQs
1. How many games does each MLB team play in a regular season?
Each MLB team plays 162 regular-season games.
2. How long is the MLB season?
It runs from late March/early April to early October, spanning about 6 months.
3. Has the number of MLB games ever changed?
Yes. It was 154 games before expanding to 162 in the 1960s. Shortened seasons also occurred during strikes and in 2020 due to COVID-19.
4. How many playoff games are there in MLB?
A team can play up to 20 or more postseason games, depending on their playoff journey.
5. Do all MLB teams play the same number of games?
Yes, every team plays 162 games unless there are weather cancellations that don’t impact standings late in the season.