One on One: Should MLB implement the ABS system?

Major League Baseball has announced they are implementing a new, automated ball and strike challenge system known as ABS next season. This system will allow batters, pitchers and catchers to challenge pitches that the umpires may incorrectly rule a ball or a strike. These challenges would then go to an automated tracker system to determine whether the pitch was indeed called incorrectly. Contributors Carolina Martinez and Cristina Solano discussed whether this change is good for the MLB and whether they should implement the system next year.

Yes

By Carolina Martinez

Debating whether Major League Baseball should implement the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system is unnecessary, as the league has already decided to implement it in 2026.

This will comprise both traditional umpiring and tech automation, allowing traditional baseball to remain intact while permitting innovation in the game. Thus, we will have the best of both worlds: traditional baseball and evolving the game. 

Evolution is essential to baseball because the fan base it once had is no longer there, and introducing a method that enables strategy makes fans more interested in the game.

For those saying fans will not enjoy ABS or it will deter the game, commissioner Rob Manfred has stated that the league established the system process “with listening to fans, conducting extensive testing at the Minor League level, and trying at every step to improve the game…[most importantly] we have worked on deploying the system in a way that’s acceptable to players.”

No

By Cristina Solano

As Carolina mentioned, the possibility of implementing the Automated Ball-Strike system will not please some fans and players and will disrupt the game. This will remove the human element and traditional feeling of the game.

Not all umpires are perfect, and while they will still be making the initial calls on pitches thrown, the beauty of human error is what makes the game more interesting. 

The flow of the game will be halted if a call is challenged and sent to review to determine whether the umpire made the proper call. The ABS system has been tested in the Minor Leagues, and walks are more prevalent in those games, which can cause the games to go on longer. While having better pitch-calling accuracy can be convenient, it can alter the competitive nature of the entire sport.