MLB Moves Closer To Robot Assistants As Minor Leagues Adopt Technology

It’s happening. Skynet is real. Okay, maybe that’s an overstatement, but with the announcement of robot umpires in Triple-A ball next season, surely we’re not far off. MLB seems to be bullish about the advent of new technology. But panic from the rise of robots and stockpiling supplies aside, the Automated Ball-Strike system may still be some way off the major leagues.

The MLB has never really been averse to technology. Even with some initial hiccups, the robot umpires have at least entertained a discussion for the major leagues. Even if it may be only in a limited capacity and still a few days off. The technology features a camera set-up with the box to call out pitches for strikes as the need may present itself.

Robot umpiring moves to Triple A Level

In a recent move by Major League Baseball, we may be seeing robot umpiring at the Triple A level as soon as 2022. MLB posted hiring notices on its website seeking seasonal positions to operate the Automated Ball Strike System. The advertisements were placed by several Triple A teams, indicating the advent of the new technology.

The independent Atlantic League was the first American professional league to adopt the ABS, making use of the robot umpiring system to call strikes at its All-Star Game in July 2019. The league went on to let ABS operate during the second half of the 2019 season.

The system also was used in the Arizona Fall League for top prospects in 2019. However, the operation of the system then drew some criticism of its calls on breaking balls. Robot umpires were also present in eight of nine ballparks at the Low-A Southeast League in 2021.

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MLB Opinion on Robot Umpires

For fans worried about an umpire lockout over the inclusion of this technology, rest assured. The Major League Baseball Umpires Association had agreed to cooperate in its labor contract that started in 2020. The terms include to cooperate and assist if commissioner Rob Manfred decides to use the system at the major league level.

Further, MLB’s chief operations and strategy officer was also hesitant to put a timeline of the inclusion of such umpires. Especially at the major league level. Said Marinak, “It’s hard to handicap if, when or how it might be employed at the major league level, because it is a pretty substantial difference from the way the game is called today.”

We’ve all been at the receiving end of a bad call at some point in our games. And we have all asked for more clarity on the calls. Robot umpires might finally be here to give us more consistency. However, some argue that the inclusion of robot umpires will reduce the chaos in an already increasingly uniform-looking game.

And while some of them may have a point, let’s all just agree that a robot umpire could lead to a more uniform strike zone. And consequently more consistent calls.