“There’s going to be a test at the Major League level during spring training next year,” Manfred told host Jack Curry. “We’re going to test the challenge system with the big-league players.”
Robot umps??? 🤖
Not quite, but on the latest edition of ‘Yankees News & Views’ @JackCurryYES did ask MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred about the possibility of an automated balls/strikes system in the Majors.
Watch the full version on The Gotham Sports App: https://t.co/sWMqNZ0P1Q pic.twitter.com/G0N5HqCGX9
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 28, 2024
MLB to Test Strike Zone Challenge System in 2025 Spring Training
The challenge system is different from the automated ball-strike system. It will serve as a compromise between full automation and the current approach. Under the challenge system, each team is offered three contested calls per game that are quickly checked against technology. Players initiate challenges with one quick helmet tap.
In the ABS system, the home plate umpire calls balls and strikes as usual, and the teams can review a limited number of balls and strikes by the Hawk-Eye system.
Back in May, Manfred said that the installment of the ABS system would likely be delayed until 2026, citing “technical issues in terms of the operation of the system.”.
