Major League Baseball is gearing up to test an automated ball-strike system, or what normal people would call, “robot umpires.”
And they can’t get here soon enough. Granted, Angel Hernandez isn’t around anymore, but anybody watching MLB playoff baseball knows humans have strike zones that are all over the place, and they’re not always consistent.
So bring it on!
Fans won’t have to wait much longer. The robot umpires are set to make their debut in spring training next year at 13 ballparks.
The move follows years of experimentation in the minor leagues, as MLB has been aiming to refine the technology for potential use by 2026.
Robot Umpires In 2026
Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed interest in implementing this system for the 2026 season but acknowledges the need for further refinement and agreement with the umpires’ association.
“I would be interested in having it in ‘26,” Manfred said following a recent owners’ meeting. “We do have a collective bargaining obligation there. That’s obviously a term and condition of employment. We’re going to have to work through that issue, as well.”
He also has to get the players to go along with it.
“There’s two sides to that test,” he said. “It’s what the clubs think about it and also what do the players think about it? And we’re going to have to sort through both of those.”
Major League Baseball will test robot umpires as part of a challenge system during spring training at 13 ballparks hosting 19 teams, which could lead to regular-season use in 2026.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 21, 2024
Full story: https://t.co/0zzyUVtVfr pic.twitter.com/ZKY2A5MRXv
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Will The Fans Like It?
The automated system seeks to enhance the accuracy of pitch calling, potentially reducing disputes over balls and strikes.
However, this technological shift also raises discussions on how it might alter the traditional dynamics and entertainment value of baseball games.
It’s a sacrifice we might have to make to avoid the following type of thing – sorry to pick on Hernandez but …
During the Texas Rangers’ series opener against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park last year, Hernandez downright blew three straight strike zone calls. It prompted Rangers play-by-play announcer Dave Raymond to deliver a blistering in-broadcast dressing down.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Raymond exclaimed. “What in the world?”
THREE IN A ROW ANGEL??? pic.twitter.com/B2ZVhellGR
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 13, 2024
MLB umpires and their strike zones have always been a hot topic. Some establish certain zones according to their own judgment and preference. And, so long as they stick to them for both teams, most players don’t have an issue.
The problem with today’s game, however, is that the broadcast has an automated strike zone that fans can see. In real-time, they know whether an umpire’s call was right or not – by the definition of the strike zone rules.
Thus, personally established zones are no longer palatable to the average fan because they can see – clearly – what the call should have been.
So again … bring on the robot umpires!
More about:MLB News
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