Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Spring training to test automated strike zone challenges as MLB moves closer to robo-umps

The future is near...

Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

For years, frustration has boiled over among pitchers, catchers, batters, and managers regarding inconsistent ball and strike calls. Now, Major League Baseball (MLB) is taking a significant step toward a solution. The automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system is set to debut in 2025 spring training, spanning 13 spring stadiums and covering more than 60% of Cactus and Grapefruit League games.

This marks the first time the ABS system will be used at the big-league level, potentially paving the way for a historic shift in the game.

What is the ABS challenge system?

The ABS challenge system serves as a middle ground between fully automated strike zones and traditional umpiring, adding a strategic element to the mix. Unlike a full ABS system, where all balls and strikes are called by a computer, this challenge-based approach keeps the home-plate umpire in charge while allowing players to challenge questionable calls. If a player believes the umpire has made an incorrect call, they can request a review, and the technology will instantly confirm or overturn the decision.

Why a challenge system instead of a full ABS?

All in all, the reasoning is simple: Fans and players still value the human element in umpiring, where an umpire’s feel for the game plays a role.

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In fully automated ABS games, walks could became more common, leading to longer game times – essentially undoing the pace-of-play improvements brought by the pitch clock. Another major factor is pitch framing, a skill that catchers have honed for decades and with full ABS, pitch framing would become obsolete.

Key rules for ABS challenges in spring training

Each team will be allowed two challenges per game and will retain successful challenges.
Only the batter, catcher, or pitcher can initiate a challenge, which must happen immediately after the umpire’s call.

Luis Gil did not like Aaron Boone’s call, so he challenged it. Here’s what ABS looks like pic.twitter.com/nbw2QAYjVt
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) February 19, 2025

To initiate a challenge, the player must tap their hat or helmet right away.
The results of the challenge will be displayed on scoreboards and TV broadcasts, providing transparency on overturned or upheld calls.

MLB

MLB Spring Training

Mohsin Baldiwala

mlb

Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.