Last week, pitchers and catchers reported to spring training. This week, a new player enters the game: robots!
For the first time, major-league spring training games will feature calls made by robot umpires, known as the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS). This exciting experiment kicks off with a nationally televised Cactus League game between the Cubs and Dodgers this Thursday.
Will these robot umps be ready for regular-season play by 2026? That still hangs in the balance. The MLB is cautious, potentially delaying major changes until after the next labor negotiations in two years.
However, it feels likely that technology will play a bigger role in ensuring accurate ball-strike calls in the future. The MLB is taking feedback from players seriously. During games, each team will have two opportunities to challenge calls. If the ABS agrees with their challenge, they won’t lose their chance.
Fans will also get to share their thoughts this spring. MLB is curious to see how people react when human umpire calls are overturned during real games. This feedback loop makes this spring training unique.
Many players are excited about this new system. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow is among them. He experienced ABS while rehabbing in Triple-A and described it as one of the most fun parts of the game. The ability to challenge calls made him feel validated.
Glasnow believes that spring training will provide enough time for players to adapt to the new system. “It’s still the same game,” he said. “You just get to challenge calls if you disagree.”
Freddie Freeman, another player looking forward to this change, feels that a spring experiment would be beneficial. “We’re pretty good at adapting,” he said. “It will be interesting.”
Before the players step out to meet these robots, here are some important lessons for them, rooted in experiences from the minor leagues.
Lesson 1: The Strike Zone Is Different
We’ve all seen the K Zone on TV, but that doesn’t reflect what players will experience. The actual ABS strike zone is accurate, unlike the sometimes inconsistent calls from human umpires.
Players need to know that many pitches usually called strikes may not be viewed the same way by robot umps. Cabot Morgan, manager of the Durham Bulls, warned that pitches will be called strictly based on their actual position, not a subjective human angle.
Lesson 2: The Strike Zone Is Consistent
Unlike the variable human strike zone based on game situations, the robot umps will maintain a consistent zone. “It’s the same no matter the scenario,” Ensberg explained. Pitchers will need to adjust to this unyielding standard.
Lesson 3: Don’t Let Robots Control the Game
Pitiful emotional reactions can’t influence robot decisions. Pitchers need to be strategic. Cole Sulser suggests attacking the strike zone right from the start. Missing the corners may waste valuable challenges.
Lesson 4: Stay Calm
When to challenge? Staying cool-headed is crucial. Pitchers often let emotions dictate their decisions, but they need to think logically. “That can lead to unnecessary challenges,” said Phillies reliever Max Lazar.
Lesson 5: Limit Pitcher Challenges
The rules state only the hitter, catcher, or pitcher can challenge a call. However, it may be wiser for catchers and hitters to do the challenging. Pitchers don’t have the best view of the strike zone.
Lesson 6: Focus on the Catchers
Catcher knowledge is vital. They need to ask questions and practice challenges. The more they understand the ABS, the better their impact will be. They will also have access to real-time data that reveals how the ABS would rule on each pitch.
Lesson 7: Experiment Freely
This spring training is a time for learning, not pressure. Teams should encourage players to use their challenges early to learn what works and what doesn’t.
As spring training unfolds, players will adapt to a blend of human and robotic decisions, making it a transformative time for baseball. Get ready for a season of adjustments, challenges, and exciting changes!
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