Major League Baseball is rolling out a test for the automatic ball and strike zone, often called “robo umps,” during this year’s spring training. While it’s not confirmed for regular-season games yet, it could be a possibility for the 2026 season.
Bringing in challenges for balls and strikes would change the game significantly. Usually, viewers see a superimposed strike zone on broadcasts, indicating where pitches should land. But the official ABS-defined strike zone is slightly different, which could alter how challenges are implemented.
According to Morgan Sword, MLB’s EVP for baseball operations, the current strike-zone graphic used in broadcasts might not fit the new challenge system. He noted that if fans already see that a pitch was a strike, it could lessen the excitement of making a call. Plus, there’s a risk of cheating, as fans in the stands might use information displayed on large screens to influence players.
Sword mentioned that the league is exploring ways to adapt the broadcast graphics while keeping the challenge system intact. They have a few options, like displaying the strike zone box without showing the ball’s location, or vice versa. Another idea is to simplify the box’s edges, a change already tested on some broadcasts.
The definition of the strike zone is also being reassessed. Broadcasters will likely use new parameters provided by the league. Sword explained that this helps create an accurate depiction of the strike zone, which can sometimes differ from what fans perceive.
While casual fans appreciate the reference point that the strike zone box provides, those deeply engaged in the sport often find the current version misleading. The challenge is to adjust the display without losing its essence. After all, viewers want to understand how umpires are performing their duties and what constitutes a ball or strike.
