MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has been doing his best to navigate the modernization of America’s pastime. The league has seen overarching seasons bring in changes such as a pitch clock and a ban on the shift.
Many have felt that the league should also move to electronic umpires to eliminate some of the human error involved with calling balls and strikes. Now, it appears that those people are getting their wish, albeit in a somewhat limited capacity.
“Breaking: MLB will implement the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System starting in the 2026 season (ABS). Each team will get two challenges and can keep them if they’re successful. Challenges can only be initiated by a pitcher, catcher, or batter, and the request must come right after the pitch,” ESPN reported on Tuesday.
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Can you imagine if Volpe and McMahon blew both challenges in a game and then Judge strikes out on a bad call in the 9th,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“I watched many AAA Games in St. Paul this year and the Ball and Strike Replay system is Fantastic!! It’s fast, accurate, and gives the teams a chance if they think they were wronged. Great Move by MLB,” someone else added.
“Screw the challenge and let AI call every pitch. Humans have proven they can’t do this job accurately enough and are directly impacting the outcome of games. It’s long overdue,” one fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see if this is the beginning of the end for human umpires in the MLB.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.