Major League Baseball is considering using an automated strike zone system (ABS) soon.
Commissioner Rob Manfred hinted that ABS might first appear as a challenge system, where human umpires still make calls but teams can appeal pitches to ABS. This system is already in use in some minor leagues, including Triple-A.
Manfred emphasized the importance of testing ABS with major league players during spring training before fully implementing it. He mentioned this could happen as early as 2025. “One thing we learned with the changes last year is, a little more time is better than not enough time,” he said.
Testing and Player Feedback:
MLB has been careful about testing and improving ABS, especially regarding the strike zone’s shape. Manfred believes it’s crucial to ensure everyone agrees on the system before moving forward. A trial during spring training seems like a smart move.
Player opinions vary widely on ABS. Some support it, others oppose it, and many are indifferent. Many current players have experienced ABS in the minors or during rehab assignments. Just like with the pitch clock, familiarity will grow over time.
Fans might think this change will bring more fairness to games.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) introduced full ABS this season, which led to an increase in offense across their league. Last year’s KBO OPS was .712; this year it’s .766. Initially, minor leagues saw higher strikeout and walk rates when they started using ABS, but these adjusted as they fine-tuned the strike zone’s shape.
What do you think about using robots for calling balls and strikes?
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