The Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system has not seen any use in the Majors since Spring Training, but it’s going to make a special appearance in the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park.
The ABS system has been put through significant testing by MLB decision makers as it approaches full implementation in the Majors. While there has been no confirmation that the proverbial robot umpires will be put into place next season, it does seem to be the most likely outcome under commissioner Rob Manfred.
Further supporting the notion that MLB is going forward with the rule change, is the fact that the ABS system is going to be displayed on a national stage during the 95th Midsummer Classic.
There did seem to be some hesitancy on MLB’s part back in April, with Manfred stating that he anticipated a decision on the ABS challenge system’s implementation to be delayed until after the 2026 season as part of the next CBA negotiation.
But there was a shift in opinion last month, and the expectation is MLB’s competition committee will approve the proposal to implement automated strike zone beginning in 2026.
Implementation of the ABS challenge system next year will be the biggest change to the sport since various new rules were put into place in 2023. The pitch clock, larger bases and restrictions on defensive shifts were all introduced that season with the goal of speeding up the pace of play and improving offense.
Those changes have proved to be a benefit to the league over the years, and the hope is that the ABS challenge system will continue that trend.
While use in Spring Training games was notable, the first step toward the automated strike zone becoming familiar on a national level is going to be with its use in an All-Star game for the first time in MLB history.
Automatic Ball-Strike challenge system rules for MLB All-Star Game
The same rules that were outlined in Spring Training will still apply to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
Players on either offense or defense are able to challenge a call, but it is limited to the batter, pitcher and catcher. Additionally, a challenge must be made within two or three seconds of the umpire’s call, and without any assistance from the dugout.
Each team is given two challenges to start the game and will retain them if the challenge is successful.
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