An automated ball-strike system (ABS), also known as “robot umps,” is set to be tested during the upcoming spring training season, as confirmed by Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred at the owners’ meetings. This system aims to automate the calling of balls and strikes, moving away from the traditional human judgment of plate umpires.
Manfred revealed that the goal is to implement the ABS system before the 2026 MLB season, pending an agreement with the umpires’ union. The system has been successfully used in various minor league levels, including Triple-A, where all ball-strike calls are made by the Hawk-Eye system and confirmed by the plate umpire.
The ABS challenge system allows teams to challenge specific ball or strike calls they believe to be incorrect, with a limited number of challenges per game. This system serves as a compromise between traditional umpiring methods and full automation, paving the way for potential future advancements in the field.
While the ABS challenge system may be the future of umpiring in MLB, the league is working towards a comprehensive solution that benefits all stakeholders involved.
phrase: “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.”
Rewritten phrase: “The speedy brown fox leaped over the lethargic dog.”