Automated Ball-Strike System Could Change the Game
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Major League Baseball (MLB) is taking another step toward the future of officiating with the continued testing of robot umpires. The Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) is being implemented in select spring training games, including Friday’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida.
This move is part of MLB’s ongoing evaluation of automated umpiring technology, which could be fully integrated into regular-season games by 2026 if successful.
How the ABS System Works
The ABS system is not a full replacement for human umpires but rather a challenge-based review system similar to instant replay in football. Here’s how it works:
- The home plate umpire continues to call balls and strikes.
- Players (batter, pitcher, or catcher) can challenge a call by tapping their helmet or cap.
- Challenges must be made within two seconds of the call.
- The pitch location appears on the scoreboard and broadcast, and the count is adjusted if the challenge is successful.
- Teams are given two challenges per game, retaining them if their challenge is correct.
The entire review process takes about 17 seconds, ensuring minimal disruption to the game’s flow.
Widespread Testing Across Spring Training
MLB has been experimenting with the ABS system in minor league games for the past three seasons. Now, it is set to be used in about 60% of spring training games, providing teams with a chance to experience the technology at the major league level.
Thirteen spring training ballparks, representing 19 MLB teams, will utilize ABS, giving every club a chance to challenge ball-strike calls at some point this spring.
Early Reactions from Players and Coaches
Reactions from players and coaches have been mixed.
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Richie Palacios has worked with the ABS system in past seasons and believes it will be a beneficial addition to the game. Meanwhile, Rays starter Ryan Pepiot expressed curiosity about its effectiveness but voiced concerns over potential delays.
Minor league data has shown that while the ABS system increases walks and slightly slows down the game, players and fans generally favor the challenge format over a fully automated system.
What’s Next for Robot Umpires in MLB?
As spring training progresses, MLB will closely analyze the effectiveness and reception of the ABS system. Feedback from players, managers, and umpires will play a crucial role in determining whether the system will be implemented in the regular season.
If testing proves successful, robot umpires could become a permanent part of baseball as soon as 2026, marking a historic shift in how the game is officiated.
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This would be so much better than humans calling balls and strikes.
This doesn’t matter. They are well overpaid!
Just another nail in the coffin of MLB
Glen Rock fans will likely boo the robot.
Robot umpires…lame. It’s part of the character of the game. Let’s also make it mandatory to sell only vegan food and no carb beer at ballparks. It’s for our own good.
How are they going to bribe the robots?