MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recently addressed the ongoing debate surrounding “robot umpires” in Major League Baseball, indicating a cautious approach to their potential adoption.
He emphasized ongoing discussions with players over the past three years, highlighting a preference among players for a challenge-based system rather than fully automated calls for balls and strikes. According to Manfred, MLB has developed robust technology for Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) but still faces certain technical hurdles.
Manfred expressed optimism about resolving these issues by the second half of the season and suggested plans for a spring training test involving Major League players before any live implementation in games. He also commended the current umpires for their performance in a challenging role, underscoring their continued value in the game.
While MLB has tested automated strike systems in the minor leagues, Manfred acknowledged several unresolved concerns before potentially introducing them at the major league level. He indicated that establishing a uniform standard for the strike zone, whether based on the batter’s height or camera positioning, remains a significant challenge.
Manfred tempered expectations by stating that full adoption of automated strike zones is unlikely before 2025, citing the complexity of reaching a consensus on implementation with the MLB Players Association. He highlighted feedback from players who favor a challenge system, where ABS would intervene only upon challenge, as a factor influencing MLB’s approach.
While calls for robot umpires often arise after contentious calls by human umpires, Manfred’s statements suggest that widespread implementation remains distant. MLB continues to navigate technical and logistical challenges while considering player preferences and maintaining the integrity of the game’s officiating.
