Manfred Gets His Wish: The Robot Umpire Era Begins!

We’ve been talking about Robot umpires since 2019 at Bleeding Yankee Blue….and now it is finally happening. Robot umpires are getting a call up to the big leagues next season. Rob Manfred’s newest Frankenstein experiment is finally coming to fruition.

So love it or hate it, it doesn’t matter you better start wrapping your head around it. Yesterday, MLB’s 11-man competition committee that was created in the last Collective Bargaining Agreement approved the use of ABS, also known as the Automated Ball / Strike system. MLB started testing it in the minor league systems back in 2019 and it has expanded throughout the system over the last few years. Now it is graduating to the big leagues. The 11-man committee that voted on this comprised of six owners, four active players and one active umpire. One of the four active players on the committee was our own Austin Slater.

So how does it work, exactly? Stadiums will have cameras that track each pitch and judge whether it crossed home plate within the strike zone. The strike zone will stay the same, so don’t freak out about changes. The height of every player will be measured in Spring Training to determine their individual strike zone and to eliminate any confusion, the strike zone we all see on our television broadcasts will be the official ABS strike zone. Now you can play umpire (more than you already do) and you won’t have a different vantage point as we do right now. That’s refreshing.

At first, it sounded techy and maybe a little confusing but it could be a game changer. Each team gets two challenges per game (note: a team retains its challenge if it is successful), plus one in each extra inning if they have used their challenges. Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling with the tap of a helmet or cap and help from the dugout is not allowed. A challenge must be made within 2 seconds, and the graphic of the pitch and strike zone is shown on the scoreboard and broadcast feed. The umpire then announces the decision.

This will be MLB’s first major rule change since making adjustments in 2024. Previous changes included a pitch clock, larger bases, and restrictions on defensive shifts and pitcher disengagements like pickoff attempts. Those changes I wasn’t a fan of, I’m still not but the ABS strike zone wins me over the more and more I write about it. Oh and the more I have to watch terrible calls made by C.B. Bucknor and Dan Iassogna the more I want to see ABS in action.

Of there’s one other reason I am warming to this idea….it should cut down on ejections. MLB said over 60% of ejections among players, managers and coaches last year were related to arguing balls and strikes. This stat includes ejections for derogatory comments, throwing equipment while protesting calls and inappropriate conduct. 

So that means we should see less of Aaron Boone throwing temper tantrums on the field. If you are making a pro and con list that should make you happy. I’m tired of watching his circus act on the field and bad umpiring. I guess I am turning a new leaf, are you?