The dawn of machine-assisted umpiring in baseball is approaching, as the integration of the automated strike zone system (ABS) appears increasingly inevitable. Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner Rob Manfred has hinted at this shift, underscoring the transformative potential of ABS. The technology, which has already made its debut in certain minor league levels, including Triple-A, stands on the verge of entering the big leagues.
Implementing Change
In an effort to ensure an effective rollout, the ABS technology will undergo rigorous testing during spring training. This trial phase is anticipated to begin as soon as 2025, providing ample time for adjustments and refinements. Manfred emphasizes the importance of this preparation period, stating, "One thing we learned with the changes last year is, a little more time is better than not enough time. Just in terms of making sure when you bring something to the big leagues, you've got to make sure you got it right."
The proposed challenge system, which allows each team to appeal pitches to the ABS, will also be part of this testing period. Teams will have a limited number of challenges – capped at three per game – to contest the umpire's calls. This system has been shaped significantly by player feedback, with Manfred noting, "We have listened – me, in particular, and I've carried a lot of this water with the owners – to player input on how they want to see it rolled out. Our focus, obviously, the second half of this year is on the challenge system, and that is almost 100% based on player feedback."
Technological Precision
The ABS technology is lauded for its remarkable precision, accurate to within a hundredth of an inch. This level of accuracy is paramount in a sport where the difference between a ball and a strike can be minuscule. As Manfred explains, "We have made material progress; the technology is good to 100th of an inch; the technology in terms of the path of the ball is pluperfect, number one."
The technology has already been put to the test in various capacities. Across minor leagues, its introduction initially led to increased strikeout and walk rates. However, as the system was fine-tuned, these rates stabilized, suggesting the adaptation process can indeed be smooth with proper adjustments. Several current major league players have had firsthand experience with ABS during their time in the minors or on rehab assignments, providing valuable insights into its implementation at the major league level.
Global Adoption
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has been a pioneer in the adoption of ABS, implementing the system this season. The result has been a notable increase in offensive metrics, with the league's On-base Plus Slugging (OPS) rising from .712 last year to .766 this year. This suggests that the automated system can have significant impacts on the way the game is played and understood, offering a precedent for MLB as it considers its own integration of ABS.
As baseball continues to evolve, the integration of advanced technology like ABS represents a significant step forward. The league's dedication to meticulous testing and player feedback ensures that this transition, while profound, will be as seamless as possible. With ABS promising near-perfect accuracy, the game stands to benefit from fairer play, making for an interesting next chapter in baseball's storied history.