Major League Baseball is set to introduce robot umpires as part of a challenge system during spring training at 13 ballparks hosting 19 teams. This move could potentially lead to regular-season use in 2026. MLB has been testing the automated ball-strike system in the minor leagues since 2019, with ongoing efforts to refine the shape of the strike zone.
An agreement for the implementation of robot umpires in the big leagues would need to be negotiated with the Major League Baseball Umpires Association, whose collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1. Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed interest in having the system in place by 2026, highlighting the need to address this issue during upcoming collective bargaining discussions.
Manfred emphasized the importance of evaluating the spring training experiment before making any decisions about future implementation. The success of the test will depend on feedback from both clubs and players, with considerations for how the system impacts the game.
Triple-A ballparks have been utilizing the automated ball-strike system for the past two seasons, albeit with modifications to the strike zone definition. The current system determines strikes based on where the ball crosses the midpoint of the plate, with adjustments made to the top and bottom of the strike zone percentages.
During the Triple-A season, MLB experimented with different approaches, initially using a combination of robot umpires and human umpires with a challenge system. Eventually, they transitioned to an all-challenge system where human umpires made most decisions, similar to the regulations for video reviews in the big leagues.
Looking ahead, MLB plans to conduct a spring training test of the automated ball-strike system to provide major league players with a firsthand experience of how the challenge system will operate. While not every ballpark will feature the test, every team will have the opportunity for meaningful exposure to the new technology.
Overall, the introduction of robot umpires represents a significant step towards modernizing the game of baseball and enhancing the accuracy of officiating decisions.
Source: AP MLB
