After testing the automated ball-strike system (ABS) during spring training, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred appears ready to bring the technology to the big leagues. A targeted start date of 2026 puts ABS on track for full-time use sooner than expected.
The system has been tested in the minor leagues for several seasons, allowing the league to collect data and feedback. Now, the league seems ready to make the jump. If all goes according to plan, ABS could be in Major League Baseball next year.
Rob Manfred Supports ABS Rollout in 2026
“I do think that we’re going to pursue the possibility of changing that process, and we’ll see what comes out at the end of that,” Manfred said. According to reports, the committee that will vote on the system includes 11 people—player representatives and one umpire—and the early word is that there are already enough votes to approve it.
Manfred pointed out that feedback from teams has been mostly positive. “I think that teams are really positive about ABS. You know, I do have that unscientific system that I use — my email traffic — and my distinct impression is that using ABS in spring training has made people more prone to complain about balls and strike calls via email, to me, referencing the need for ABS. That is undoubtedly true, undoubtedly true.”
Despite the momentum, Manfred still has one concern.
“My single biggest concern is working through the process and deploying it in a way that’s acceptable to the players. There’s always going to be things around the edges that we need to work through and whatever, and I want them to feel like we respected the committee process and that there was a full airing of concerns about the system, and an attempt to address those concerns before we go forward.”
Taylor Walls Ejection Adds to ABS Momentum
The conversation around ABS got louder recently after Tampa Bay Rays infielder Taylor Walls was ejected during a game. Walls tapped his helmet to signal a challenge on a strike call, something currently not allowed in MLB. Home plate umpire Nic Lentz didn’t hesitate and tossed Walls from the game.
MORE: Alex Cora ‘Surprised’ By Gap in AL East
The ejection raised eyebrows around the league, especially from fans who want a more accurate and consistent strike zone. Situations like this are a big reason why ABS continues to gain support.
Worst Strike Call on Record Fuels Debate
A separate controversy came from another game when Umpire Laz Diaz made headlines for one of the worst strike calls ever recorded by the Umpire Auditor account.
NEW UMPIRE AUDITOR RECORD
Yesterday, Umpire Laz Diaz rang up Jake Magnum on a pitch that missed outside by 6.83 inches.
With that call, Laz Diaz has taken the crown from Angel Hernandez for the worst called strikeout in Umpire Auditor history. https://t.co/2LvDoJaLio pic.twitter.com/dSTZ2r22pz
— Umpire Auditor (@UmpireAuditor) June 5, 2025
The called third strike was more than six inches outside the zone. It broke a record previously held by Angel Hernandez and left players and fans stunned. Moments like these help make the case for ABS, which wouldn’t remove umpires entirely but would assist them in getting key calls right.
What’s Next for ABS in MLB?
The league is still working out how the system will be used. One version could allow players to challenge a limited number of ball-strike calls per game. Another option might give the system full control of calling the strike zone.
Whatever path MLB chooses, it’s clear that momentum is building. The mix of high-profile ejections, blown calls, and increased pressure from fans and teams has turned ABS from an experiment into a likely next step.