Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!
To err is human, and we’ve all seen games drastically altered by manifestly bad calls in the past. The “robo ump,” or an Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, as the innovation
is formally known, has already been piloted in Triple-A since 2022 and deemed successful by many. An ABS challenge system was implemented for Spring Training and the All-Star Game this year, wherein players could challenge the plate umpire’s call on the spot. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred had previously indicated that he may move to adopt ABS in 2026, and it is now official: the same ABS challenge system used earlier this season will be in force for the full 2026 season.
The change was ratified yesterday by the 11-member Joint Competition Committee per Jeff Passan at The Athletic. The committee consists of six MLB representatives, four from the players union, and one umpire. The MLBPA stated that at least one player on the committee opposed the change.
Under the challenge system, the plate umpire will still call balls and strikes, but the batter, catcher, or pitcher can instantly challenge calls and have them settled by ABS. Teams are granted two challenges per game, but like the existing play call challenge system, teams forfeit a challenge when they lose one.
In the long run, perhaps the league may as well turn balls and strikes over to ABS altogether as was originally done in minor league testing. But the challenge system seems like a sensible incremental change, and perhaps in time it will prove to strike the right balance between human- and technology-driven officiating.
Be sure to check out Passan’s report for more details if you can, and welcome to our new robot overlords!
A’s Coverage:
- A’s pitcher ends ‘grind’ of a season in West Sacramento on a high note ($)
- A’s Looking to End Houston Astros Season
- Clemente Award nominee Butler feels duty to pay it forward
- A’s Rising Star Begins Rehab Assignment
- Why the A’s Should Go All-In on This Yankees Pitcher This Offseason
- Must-Have A’s Prospects in 2025 Bowman Chrome
MLB News & Interest:
- MLB approves Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System for 2026 season ($)
- MLB Power Rankings: Guardians, Reds make a final push and we hand out our MVPs ($)
- Ozzie Albies Suffers Hamate Fracture
- Blue Jays Activate Anthony Santander, Designate Alek Manoah For Assignment
- Former Giant Hunter Pence to join ESPN for wild-card round as analyst ($)
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
Roster moves.
You’re saying there’s still a chance?
Clarke to help the Aviators playoff run.
Ramirez with a back-to-back first.
Defeat from the jaws of victory.
Some perspective on the Guardians surge.
