MLB Tests Automated Ball-Strike System: Robot Umpires on the Horizon?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is testing an Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) during spring training exhibition games after four years of minor league trials. The system uses cameras to track pitches and determine if they're in the strike zone, relaying the call to the umpire via earbud, who then signals to players and fans. A challenge system is in place, allowing each team two challenges per game. ABS is installed in 13 spring training ballparks, with roughly 60% of games slated for testing. Hawk-Eye technology is used, but the strike zone is a rectangle as defined by the rulebook, not the oval shape used by human umpires. Tests show slight increases in strikeouts and walks with ABS. MLB plans to refine broadcast displays and gather player feedback via the ProTABS app, aiming for potential integration as early as 2026 to assist, not replace, human umpires.