There was big news in Major League Baseball on Tuesday, as it was announced that the league will use the Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System (also known as ABS) starting in 2026 according to Eric Samulski of NBC Sports. Under the new system, each team has two unsuccessful challenges every game, and the challenges can only be made by the batter, catcher and pitcher, without any assistance from the dugout. The players can signal a challenge by touching their hat, mask or helmet.
It should be noted that MLB are not bringing in robot umpires. They have been considered in MLB for a while. Baseball is in essence using the Hawk-Eye technology currently used in international tennis and volleyball.
It is too early to tell if the ABS system will actually work. One of my concerns is the length of time it will take for a challenge to take place. A single challenge is expected to take 13 to 15 seconds. How accurate will the ABS be? Is the technology accurate on pitches that catch the corner or are the pitches judged from where they land or go over the plate? MLB has utilized the ABS system at the minor league level, but the MLB level is a whole new animal where each call will be scrutinized a zillion times more.
I also understand accuracy is important. MLB has instituted impressive measures the last few years to speed things up. Let us sincerely hope this new technology will not slow things down once again.
