Automated Ball-Strike system Gains Acceptance From Longtime Critic
OAKLAND, CA – A vocal opponent of expanded replay and automated systems in Major league Baseball has publicly announced a shift in perspective regarding the upcoming implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. The author, a contributor to Athletics Nation, detailed a change of heart stemming from the system’s planned limitations – specifically, a two-challenge limit per game for teams – and the potential to eliminate demonstrably incorrect calls while preserving the human element of the game.
The piece acknowledges a long-held skepticism towards replay and automation,but argues the two-challenge system forces teams to strategically deploy challenges only when a call is “clearly wrong,” particularly in high-leverage situations. The author predicts that in 2026, many calls that would have previously been challenged will go unreviewed simply because the pitch is too close or the game situation isn’t critical enough.
Further advocating for a more targeted replay system, the author proposes limiting immediate replay requests on close plays at first base to the runner, first baseman, or first base coach, and similar protocols for tag plays at second base. These requests, reviewed by stadium personnel within 30 seconds, would focus on “terrible blown calls” rather than marginal disagreements.
The author concludes by expressing support for the ABS system as a means of addressing issues with umpire positioning,potential biases,and a lack of accountability,ultimately believing MLB has “settled on the right balance of keeping the human element while taking bad balls/strikes umpires out of the spotlight.”
