The MLB is trying to solve one of the most prevalent problems in baseball, which is when the umpire gets a 'ball' or a 'strike' call wrong. As many know, this leads to constant complaints from players, coaches, and fans alike, however, managers fighting with umpires may now be a thing of the past.
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That is, the MLB is attempting to eliminate human error, by installing robot umpires.
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.
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During Spring Training next year, the MLB is preparing to test a computer-generated strike zone. According to reports (via AP), the test would be placed at 13 different stadiums, that host 19 different teams during the Spring. Then the hope is, that if it's a success, this system will be fully enacted during the full regular season in 2026.
After an owner's meeting this week, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke to reporters about this plan and how he wanted to fully incorporate it for the 2026 season.
"I would be interested in having it in '26," commissioner Rob Manfred said. "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."
"There's two sides to that test," he continued. "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."
Most of the players are vouching for more of a 'challenge system,' which means there wouldn't be a fully automated strike zone. Rather, much like how it is in the minor leagues, teams can challenge certain 'ball' or 'strike' calls.
"I think we will have a spring training ABS test that will provide a meaningful opportunity for all major league players to see what the challenge system will look like," Manfred continued. "It won't be in every single ballpark but we actually have a plan where every team will get meaningful exposure."
In view of how the system may be implemented, Triple-A teams were allowed three challenges per game last season. And the team was allowed to retain the challenges if they were successful, this didn't seem to cause too much delay and at the same time helped ensure fair play.
Ultimately, the MLB is hoping to crackdown on blown calls which potentially impact the results of games, and it seems they are taking steps in the right direction to help solve this problem.
CIRCA 1980's: Manager Frank Robinson (L) of the Baltimore Orioles arguing with the homeplate umpire. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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