The MLB has finally adopted the minor leagues ABS (automated balls & strikes system) foe the 2026 season and it’s a great thing for the sport of baseball. What is ABS? It’s a technology-based system (think robot umpires) that helps determine whether a pitch is a ball or a strike, using advanced tracking tech (like Hawk-Eye or TrackMan) instead of relying entirely on a human umpire’s judgment. ABS uses high-speed cameras and radar to track pitches in real time. It determines the exact path of the ball, its location when it crosses the plate and whether it passed through the strike zone. MLB umpires typically get 94% of strike calls which is typically great but with so much money on the line (my bets), it needs to be closer to 100%

The ABS challenge system is a hybrid approach where the human umpire makes the initial ball or strike call, but teams have a limited number of challenges, 2 per game, to contest those decisions. When a challenge is made, the Automated Ball-Strike system is consulted, either confirming or overturning the call based on precise pitch-tracking data. This method keeps the traditional role of the umpire (let’s hope and pray we still coaches arguing calls and ejections) while adding a layer of technology-driven accountability to improve accuracy.

I feel like ABS will bring a more consistent and accurate strike zone calls, reduce bad calls, and help young pitchers and hitters develop in a fairer environment. However, critics say that while the tech creates a “perfect” strike zone, it doesn’t always reflect the natural flow of the game. The system can feel awkward during challenges and remove some of the human umpire’s influence on the game’s rhythm and management. The only true thing I will miss pre-ABS, is pitch framing. Pitch framing is a true art of the game,k which alot of teams and farm systems have been improving over the years and the fielding aspect of the catcher will almost be entirely gone, but maybe now more catchers will be able to hit the baseball.