Automated Ball-Strike system Gains Acceptance From Longtime Critic
OAKLAND, CA – A vocal opponent โof expanded replay โand automated systems in Major league Baseball has โpublicly announced a shift in perspective regarding the upcoming implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS)โฃ system. The author, a contributor to Athletics Nation, detailed a change of heart stemming from the system’s planned limitations – specifically,โค a two-challenge limit per game for teamsโ – and โคthe potentialโ to eliminate demonstrably incorrect calls while preserving the human element of the โgame.
The piece acknowledges a long-held skepticism towards replay andโ automation,but argues the two-challenge โsystem 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 โฃgo unreviewed simply because the pitch is too close โฃor the game situation isn’t critical enough. โ
Further advocating for a more targeted replay system, the author proposes limiting immediate replay requests on close playsโ at first baseโฃ to the runner, first baseman, or first base โคcoach, and similar protocols for tagโ plays atโค second base.โ These requests, reviewed by stadium personnel within 30 seconds, would focus on “terrible blown calls” ratherโ than marginal disagreements.
The author concludes by expressing support forโข the ABS system as a means of addressing issues with umpire โฃpositioning,potential biases,and a lack of accountability,ultimately believing MLB has “settled on the right โbalance of keeping the human element while taking bad โขballs/strikes umpires out โคof the spotlight.”
