All articles tagged with #robot umpires
Major League Baseball has approved the use of robot umpires with an automated ball/strike challenge system starting in 2026, allowing teams to challenge calls and potentially reduce ejections, while human umpires will still call pitches with digital reviews displayed on screens.
Major League Baseball will introduce robot umpires using the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) in 2026, which uses Hawk-Eye cameras and 5G technology to improve the accuracy of calls at home plate. The system will be used for challenge reviews rather than replacing human umpires entirely, with players able to challenge calls and the system providing quick, precise decisions. The move aims to enhance fairness and accuracy, with the impact on the game and player reactions yet to be seen.
Major League Baseball has approved the implementation of robot umpires for balls and strikes starting in the 2026 season, using an automated challenge system tested in minor leagues and spring training, aiming to improve accuracy and reduce ejections, while maintaining some human umpire involvement.
MLB has approved the use of the Automated Ball Strike (ABS) system, marking the beginning of robot umpires in official games starting in 2026, after successful testing and approval by the Joint Competition Committee.
Major League Baseball plans to test robot umpires during the 2025 spring training, with the potential for regular-season use by 2026, pending an agreement with the MLB Umpires Association. The challenge system will be trialed at 13 ballparks, involving 19 teams, as part of ongoing efforts to refine the automated umpiring system, which has been tested in the minor leagues. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the need for feedback from both clubs and players before moving forward.
Major League Baseball plans to test robot umpires at 13 spring training ballparks in 2025, with potential regular-season implementation by 2026. The automated ball-strike system (ABS) has been trialed in minor leagues since 2019, but its adoption in the majors requires agreement with the MLB Umpires Association, whose contract expires in December. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the need for feedback from both clubs and players before proceeding. The ABS system, which has been modified during minor league tests, will be evaluated through a challenge system during spring training.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that robot umpires might be tested during spring training in 2025, with a potential full implementation by 2026. However, technical issues with defining the strike zone need to be resolved first. The league has been experimenting with an automated ball-strike system (ABS) in the minor leagues and recently switched to a challenge system based on player feedback. The upcoming expiration of the umpires' collective bargaining agreement and player concerns about ABS will be significant factors in future negotiations.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that robot home plate umpires are unlikely to be implemented by 2025 due to technical issues and slower-than-expected progress in the minor leagues. Players have shown a preference for a challenge system to maintain the importance of catcher framing skills. Additionally, MLB is addressing issues with Nike's new uniforms, planning the 2026 World Baseball Classic, developing a tackier baseball with Rawlings, and strategizing on a broadcast strategy amid the decline in cable television.