During the 2024 spring training, MLB is set to introduce the new Automatic Balls and Strikes System, otherwise known as ABS. ABS has been featured in the minor leagues since the 2019 season. This is a major move as it will bring more consistency to calls behind the plate from what we know now, reducing umpire errors and most likely Manager and Player ejections as a result. MLB plans to implement this at the major league level during the 2026 regular season.
What is the Automatic Balls and Strikes (ABS) System?
The ABS technology uses high tech systems to determine if a pitch is a ball or a strike in real time. MLB looks to implement this in a challenge system where if a player or manager thinks the ump missed a call, they can tap their helmet and the ABS tracker will be put on the Jumbotron showing where the pitch was. In the minor leagues, it receives a lot of mixed feedback. Pirates pitcher Paul Skeens for one is not a fan of the ABS system:
What’s Next?
During Spring Training 2025, all teams will have ABS in games, at least once. The Arizona Diamondbacks are the team that has it the most games, with 29 of them having the new technology. The teams will submit feedback to MLB and they will work on solutions to the feedback submitted to ensure a smooth rollout in 2026.
ABS has been something rumored for a long time coming to Baseball, and now it’s more of a reality than it ever was.
(Image credit to MLB)
