MLB spring training 2025 features robot umpires, automated ball-strike testing, challenges
What to know about robot umpires, automated ball-strike testing, challenges at 2025 MLB spring training Cactus League, Grapefruit League games.
MLB Unveils New Challenge System Involving Robot Umpires for Spring Training
This year's MLB spring training could prove more consequential than any in years past as MLB will experiment with ABS, the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System, to ensure the home plate umpire gets as many ball and strike calls correct as possible. On Thursday, the league announced how exactly this new challenge system will unfold.
Robot umpires are getting their first MLB test during spring training
A computerized system that calls balls and strikes is being tested during Major League Baseball spring training exhibition games starting Thursday after four years of experiments in the minor leagues.
MLB will test robo-umpires in spring training games starting this week
Major League Baseball this week will begin testing an automated system that will keep count of balls and strikes. The tests will take place during spring training and could be rolled into regular season play in 2026.
This could be baseball’s last season without ‘robot umpires’
Though this hybrid umpire system won’t make its way to regular season major league games in 2025, player and fan reactions during this crucial trial period could determine whether or not it becomes a regular staple in games.
Everything to know about the MLB's ball-strike challenge system at spring training
MLB players can challenge ball and strike calls. The camera-based system is only an experiment for now — but it has the baseball world wondering where to draw the line with technology.
MLB to test automated ball-strike challenge system during spring games
Umpires first began calling both balls and strikes way back in 1864, and baseballers have been arguing about those calls ever since. Strike-zone judgment has been the subject of some untold number of verbal (and,
Phillies will get their first look at robot umps in spring games: ‘There is some strategy to it’
An automated ball-strike system will be available for 27 of the Phillies' 31 spring training games. Rob Thomson liked what he saw of it in the Arizona Fall League.
MLB’s robo-umps are here, plus More Devers/Bregman fallout
This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. The robo-umps have arrived. Plus: The drama in Boston took off after our last edition, we get you ready for fantasy baseball and Ken has thoughts on the Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Baseball purists will be furious with MLB's latest tests during Spring Training
That's why MLB is now testing its Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system during Spring Training, which would effectively take away the bulk of a home plate umpire's role throughout games.
What is the new MLB ABS challenge system? Baseball hopes to finally get it right this time
Thursday's Cactus League game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will be more than just the first spring ...
Orioles observations on bullpen competition, MLB’s ‘interesting’ ABS challenge system and more
Pitchers are always ahead of hitters to begin spring training. It’s easier for pitchers to prepare for facing hitters — ...