MLB’s automatic balls and strikes system is a long time coming
Countless ejections have been caused by arguments over balls and strikes in MLB over the years. Whether this is due to an umpire with a
Countless ejections have been caused by arguments over balls and strikes in MLB over the years. Whether this is due to an umpire with a poor strike zone or a batter who doesn’t like the strike zone, many heated moments have been the result.
In the age of technology that we are in, there is no reason for so many arguments about balls and strikes. During this year’s spring training, MLB is using the Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system as a trial run for future use.
Thirteen spring training ballparks have the ABS System in place, so this system won’t be used in every game this spring. Each team receives two challenges each and has a chance to retain these challenges if they are successful.
Additionally, only the catcher, pitcher and batter can challenge the pitch call. These challenges must be made right after the umpire’s call, and this is done by the valid player tapping the top of their head.
Regarding pace of play, which MLB has emphasized, these challenges have taken an average of 17 seconds when this same system has been used in the minor leagues (2022-24) in recent years. This is not a significant amount of time, so this won’t affect pace of play much at all.
I like this system and believe that it should be fully implemented into the regular season. This system won’t be in place for 2025, but I believe there is a good chance we see this system implemented in 2026.
A big bonus to the ABS System is that it doesn’t take away many of the aspects that a full ABS System, with full robotic umpires, would take away. As fans, we want that strike call when our catcher frames a ball outside the strike zone.
This challenge system won’t lead to every call being correct or lead to no ejections around balls and strikes, but it will lead to a reduced number of ejections and most of the important balls and strikes calls will be correct.
This is the best of both worlds. Players, fans, coaches and executives will all still love the game, and games will be called more accurately.
