It’s a bold move.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is reportedly pushing to introduce an automated ball-strike (ABS) system at the major league level, with a potential rollout as early as 2026. While human umpire Angel Hernandez is no longer officiating, many fans and analysts continue to voice frustration over inconsistent strike zones, prompting renewed interest in robotic assistance.
According to The Athletic, MLB leadership appears poised to move forward with ABS implementation, with sufficient support from the league’s 11-member competition committee, which includes players and one umpire. The proposed system would not completely eliminate human involvement but would mirror the version tested in minor league games and spring training. Under the plan, umpires would continue to call balls and strikes, but teams would be allowed a limited number of challenges per game.
The idea of limiting challenges raises concerns among critics, who argue that if the technology is more accurate, it should be used full-time to avoid human error—especially in crucial moments late in a game. Manfred has suggested there may be adjustments to the process, noting that feedback from teams on ABS has been generally positive.
A major advantage of the ABS system is the increased accuracy and fairness it promises. Given that TV broadcasts already use a visualized strike zone, fans can immediately see when umpires make mistakes. This transparency has intensified scrutiny of officiating and bolstered calls for change, particularly when inconsistent calls affect the outcome of games.
While many of Manfred’s recent changes, such as pitch clocks and automated strike zones, have been well-received, not all his proposals have met with approval. One controversial idea—the “golden at-bat” rule, which would let teams send any hitter to the plate at any point in the game—was widely criticized for its gimmicky nature. In contrast, the gradual incorporation of technology to support accuracy on the field continues to gain traction as a more practical and welcomed reform.
