INCHEON, South Korea (2025-07-31) – KBO League baseball games are experiencing an unusual surge in ties. Two games, between KIA Tigers and Doosan Bears, and SSG Randers and Kiwoom Heroes, ended in a draw on July 30th. So far this season, 17 games have been called without a winner, a rate of 3.5% of the 490 games played. This is a significant jump from last year’s 1.4% and 2023’s 1.7%.
## Baseball’s Draw Problem Escalates
The KBO League is seeing more tied games than in recent years. This trend raises questions about game duration and potential rule adjustments.
Baseball fans are noticing an increase in drawn games, prompting discussions about potential rule changes.
- Baseball games are ending in draws at a higher rate this season.
- The current draw rate is 3.5%, a notable increase from previous years.
- Past seasons with high draw rates are linked to rule changes or specific circumstances.
- Discussions are ongoing about adopting measures to reduce ties, similar to international leagues.
The league saw a similar spike in drawn games in 2021. That year, the abolition of extra innings in the latter half of the season, due to COVID-19 concerns, contributed to the increase. However, excluding that season, 2004 stands out with 24 drawn games.
In 2004, the league experimented with a four-hour game time limit. This regulation led to games ending near midnight and contributed to a record 11 ties for the Lotte Giants. The Korean Series that year also saw three draws, pushing one series to a ninth game. The unintended consequences of these time restrictions led to their removal within the season.
The highest number of draws historically occurred in 1993, with 18 ties, representing 3.6% of the total games.
Interestingly, the recent increase in draws doesn’t appear linked to the reduction of extra innings. The KBO League shortened extra innings from 12 to 10 this year, partly to protect pitchers and due to the introduction of the pitch clock. Last year, 77.9% of the 59 games that went into extra innings were decided in the 11th inning. Extending games to the 10th inning could further contribute to ties.
To protect pitchers more effectively, adopting strategies like starting extra innings with a runner on second base, as seen in Major League Baseball, is being considered. However, team managers have shown reluctance. At the end of last year, during a supervisor meeting, all opposed this rule change except for one manager. The responsibility for game operations falls on managers, making them hesitant to embrace such changes.
The Futures (2nd Army) League adopted the second-base runner rule last year, and over 80% of its games concluded within 10 innings. With international competitions like the World Baseball Classic using different rules, the KBO League may need to explore more effective long-term institutional improvements to address the growing number of drawn games.
What’s the best way to reduce ties in baseball?
The KBO League is grappling with an increased number of tied games this season, prompting a look at historical data and potential rule changes.
When did the KBO League have the most draws?
The league saw its highest number of draws in 1993, with 18 tied games.
What factors might be contributing to the rise in drawn games?
While extra innings were shortened, factors like the pitch clock and potential rule adjustments, or lack thereof, are being examined.
Is the KBO League considering international rule changes?
Discussions are underway to consider adopting strategies used in international competitions, such as starting extra innings with a runner on second base.
