Rob Manfred Hints At Changes To Umpiring Coming Soon

The debate around the use of robot umpires in Major League Baseball seemed to reach a crescendo in 2024. High profile mistakes by the usual suspects like Angel Hernandez, as well as the proliferation of umpire scorecard social media accounts have increased pressure to get balls and strikes correct.

But for fans frustrated with obviously poor umpiring, especially in key situations, there may be a solution on the horizon.

READ: Umpire Angel Hernandez Is Trending Because He Is Awful 

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke to reporters on Thursday and discussed what players across the league have suggested they'd like to see moving forward. And if they get their way, we might be getting a partial version of the robot umpire concept, but without entirely removing the human element.

The Athletic's Evan Drellich posted on X earlier Thursday on Manfred's remarks, revealing what the league is considering moving forward.

"There's a growing consensus in large part based on what we're hearing from players that the challenge form should be the form of ABS (automated balls and strikes), if and when we bring it to the big leagues, at least as a starting point." According to Drellich, Manfred's "held that opinion for a while" as well.

Houston - Home plate umpire Angel Hernandez during the game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians at Minute Maid Park on May 1. Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

How Would An ABS Challenge System Work In Practice?

So what would a challenge system in the major leagues look like? Well, we have a pretty good idea because MLB has been experimenting with it in the minors since 2022.

One clip shows a pitch that clips the automated strike zone box, but was called a ball on the field. The pitcher, thinking it was a strike, taps his hat several times to signal a challenge. The umpire signals up to the box that it's a challenge, puts in the earpiece, and gets the correct call, with the pitch being overturned. 

MLB has been obsessive about reducing game times and increasing the pace of play. Adding another challenge system could, in theory, make games longer. But in the above clip, the entire sequence, from challenge to overturn, took just around 15 to 17 seconds. 

Not instant, but not nearly as long as the system that requires checking the video room in New York.

Manfred was light on details as to what the challenge format would look like in the big leagues. But there are any number of options; give pitchers one challenge per inning, with another added if they get it right. Or give them one per at bat, which would be necessary for hitters. Or more, if so desired.

This is probably the best system for keeping baseball purists happy while ensuring that important calls aren't missed on the field. Umpires will still call the overwhelming majority of balls and strikes on the field, but for egregious, Angel Hernandez-type mistakes, there will be an immediate remedy.

And we can ensure that umps like CB Bucknor are held accountable for missing 20 calls in a single game.

Coming to an MLB stadium near you.