Finally, a role for artificial intelligence we can all cheer for—robot umpires in Major League Baseball! As part of next year’s spring training, MLB is ramping up its experiments with automated strike zone technology, testing the system across 13 ballparks with 19 franchises participating. If successful, these robo-umps could be calling balls and strikes as early as the 2026 regular season.
This isn’t a new idea for MLB. Since 2019, the league has been experimenting with an automated ball-strike system (ABS) in the minors. While promising, there’s still work to be done, particularly on refining the strike zone’s shape to account for player height and stance. But with years of testing under its belt, MLB seems serious about advancing the technology and ironing out any quirks.
Of course, introducing robot umpires isn’t as simple as plugging in a machine. The league needs the approval of the Major League Baseball Umpires Association, whose current collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1. Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged this hurdle during a Wednesday owners’ meeting, saying, “We do have a collective bargaining obligation there. That’s obviously a term and condition of employment. We’re going to have to work through that issue, as well.” In other words, don’t toss your “Kill the Ump!” signs just yet—the humans are still in the game.
Major League Baseball will test robot umpires as part of a challenge system during spring training at 13 ballparks hosting 19 teams, which could lead to regular-season use in 2026.
Full story: https://t.co/0zzyUVtVfr pic.twitter.com/ZKY2A5MRXv
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 21, 2024
So, why the push for robo-umps? For starters, the technology offers consistency, something traditional umpires often lack. Human umpires are infamous for their blown calls, inconsistent strike zones, and occasional game-deciding mistakes. Who can forget some of the more egregious playoff gaffes that left fans screaming at their screens? By implementing an AI-driven system, MLB can eliminate some of that human error, ensuring a level playing field for pitchers and batters alike.
Critics might argue that robot umps will take away the human element of the game, but let’s face it: no one’s nostalgic for an umpire blowing a call in the bottom of the ninth. Purists will still have plenty to love about America’s pastime—great players, dramatic moments, and the crack of the bat. Meanwhile, fans sick of watching games hinge on an umpire’s bad call might finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Aaron Judge is not in favor of robot umpires:
“If there’s an issue with balls and strikes, just get guys that do a better job calling balls and strikes” pic.twitter.com/XAPSDWwB4m
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 16, 2022
In an era where AI often sparks fear of dystopian takeovers, some feel it’s refreshing to see technology being used to solve an actual problem. If these robot umps deliver on their promise, they won’t just revolutionize baseball—they’ll be the rare example of AI that even skeptics can root for. Play ball!
