Major League Baseball is considering the implementation of robot umpires as part of a challenge system, with potential testing in spring training next year and potential regular-season use by 2026. The automated ball-strike system has been under experimentation in the minor leagues since 2019, with ongoing adjustments being made to define the strike zone accurately.
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed the need for a spring training test before introducing the system to the big leagues, highlighting the progress made in technology precision. The ABS currently determines strikes based on the ball crossing the midpoint of the plate, with adjustments made to the top and bottom of the strike zone percentages.
During the Triple-A season, MLB tested a combination of robot umpires and human umpires with a challenge system, eventually transitioning to an all-challenge system where a human umpire makes most decisions. Challenges are limited per team, with successful challenges allowing teams to retain them.
The players' association has shown more support for the challenge system over a straight ABS system, citing concerns about consistency, technical issues, and potential disruptions during games. The competition committee, responsible for rule changes, previously adopted a pitch clock and defensive shift restrictions for the 2023 season.
As MLB continues to explore the use of technology in officiating, the focus remains on ensuring the integrity of the game and addressing any challenges that may arise with the implementation of robot umpires in the future.
