Over the years, MLB has heard the vocal demands for robot umps (or ABS) as umpires struggle to keep up with the increased velocity and movement in today’s game. The league tested an ABS challenge system in a majority of spring training games before this season.
And now, the league is prepared to put ABS to the test on a big stage.
According to ESPN, the ABS challenge system will make a return for Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Atlanta’s Truist Park. With the Midsummer Classic no longer counting towards World Series homefield advantage, MLB views the exhibition as an opportunity to test the system in front of a wide audience.
The system will mirror what we saw in spring training with each team getting two challenges and retaining them with successful challenges. The challenges can’t come from the dugout either — only pitchers, catchers and hitters can signal to the umpire for them.
ABS could become permanent in MLB games as soon as the 2026 season, via ESPN:
MLB’s competition committee will meet later this summer to determine if ABS will be instituted next season after the league tested the robotic system throughout the minor leagues and spring training in recent years. Like almost any rule change, there were mixed reviews from players about using ABS but nearly all parties agree on one point: They prefer a challenge system as opposed to the technology calling every pitch.
It would be a welcomed addition. And as we saw in spring training, it held umpires accountable in real time.
