MLB Moves Closer to Automated Strike Zones
In May, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred signaled a significant shift on the horizon for the sport, hinting at the inevitable integration of the automated strike zone system, known as ABS. This groundbreaking technology, which will undergo rigorous testing during spring training, could be trialed in the Major Leagues as soon as 2025.
Recognizing the critical importance of precise implementation, Manfred underscored, "One thing we learned with the changes last year is, a little more time is better than not enough time. Just in terms of making sure when you bring something to the big leagues, you’ve got to make sure you got it right." The commissioner’s careful approach emphasizes ensuring the system's accuracy and reliability before its full-fledged deployment.
As part of this forward-thinking move, the proposed challenge system will allow each team to appeal pitches to the ABS system, with a limit of three challenges per game. This player-centric approach aims to address concerns and integrate feedback from athletes who have firsthand experience with the system.
Addressing the state of the technology, Manfred stated, "We have made material progress; the technology is good to 100th of an inch; the technology in terms of the path of the ball is pluperfect." Such precision is expected to enhance the fairness and consistency of pitch calling, potentially transforming the dynamics of the game.
ABS has already demonstrated its potential in various minor league levels, including Triple-A. Although its initial introduction in the minor leagues led to an increase in strikeout and walk rates, these metrics stabilized over time as adjustments were made to the strike zone parameters.
A notable case study for ABS can be found in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), which implemented the technology this season. The results have been promising, with the league’s On-base Plus Slugging (OPS) rising from .712 last year to .766 this year, indicating a positive impact on offensive performance.
Several players currently in the majors have encountered the ABS system during their time in the minors or while on rehab assignments, providing them with a sense of the technology’s implications on the game. Manfred elaborated on the importance of player input in refining the system’s rollout, mentioning, "We have listened – me, in particular, and I’ve carried a lot of this water with the owners – to player input on how they want to see it rolled out. Our focus, obviously, the second half of this year is on the challenge system, and that is almost 100% based on player feedback." This collaborative approach signals that the league is committed to integrating player perspectives into the implementation of ABS.
As spring training approaches, the baseball community eagerly anticipates the testing phase of ABS, which will be crucial in determining its efficacy before its potential introduction to the Major Leagues. Whether ABS will seamlessly transition into the major league environment, maintaining the integrity of the sport while enhancing its objectivity, remains a story to unfold. However, the advancements thus far position ABS as a promising innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of baseball.