ARLINGTON, Texas — Rob Manfred cautioned there are problems that need to be worked out but acknowledged there is a “feasible possibility” that Major League Baseball could implement an automated system to help umpires call balls and strikes starting in 2026.
The commissioner, speaking at the Live! Hotel near Globe Life Field during All-Star week, said the competition committee, which votes on the rule change, likely won’t approve the system without first testing it during spring training.
That means the system could be introduced as soon as next spring – and if all goes well, it could be fully implemented by the start of the 2026 season.
“But will that be the case this year?” Manfred said before Tuesday’s All-Star Game. “I’m not going to let that get me complacent.”
The Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge system has been in use at the Triple-A level since 2022. In this system, human umpires make calls, but teams have a limited number of challenges they can use to dispute a call. When a challenge is made, a high-speed camera that captures the location of each pitch determines whether the call is upheld or overturned.
Both Manfred and Tony Clark, general secretary of the players’ association, said players preferred the ABS challenge system, which combines the human element with technology, rather than fully embracing robot referees.
Manfred said the technology was “accurate to within 100ths of an inch,” but there were problems with determining the strike zone itself.
“There are technical issues with the definition of the strike zone that still need to be worked out,” Manfred said.
The league overhauled its rules ahead of the 2023 season, most notably the introduction of a pitch clock, but received a lot of backlash over the abruptness of the on-field adjustments.
Manfred wants more time to make the changes.
“One of the things we learned from the changes last year is that it’s better to have a little more time than not enough time,” he said. “And I say that in the sense that when you bring something to the major leagues, you have to make sure you do it right.”
The league and its players are exploring the possibility of participating in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Baseball was added back to the Olympic Games in 2021, but at the time MLB only allowed players who weren’t on the 40-man roster to participate, so baseball will be played in the 2028 Olympics with or without major leaguers.
Casey Wasserman, a prominent agent and president of the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, met with the owners to pitch the idea.
“We’re having conversations about what we can do, what that might look like specifically,” Manfred said. “What compromises do we have to make in terms of the season? I’m keeping an open mind about that.”
The Olympics could potentially replace the All-Star break.
“The feedback we’ve gotten from players so far has been that they’re interested in getting involved if the opportunity arises,” Clark said.
Following much criticism from fans and players about the jerseys worn at the All-Star Game, Manfred said he would consider again allowing players to wear their team’s jerseys next season.
“I understand the sentiment on this issue,” Manfred said, “and we’ll have a discussion about this after the All-Star game. … Of course, those discussions need to start with the players, but also with Nike and some of our partners.”
“But I understand the sentiment and I know why people like the tradition.”
Both MLB and the union praised the game played last month at Rickwood Field, the nation’s oldest professional ballpark and former home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues.
Clark and Manfred agreed that the league should return to Alabama in some form for future seasons.
“Having an event and then disappearing is not what we should be doing,” Clark said.
“We’re looking to do something more in Birmingham,” Manfred said, “and have some sort of continuity there. What that specific role will be there has yet to be determined.”
Manfred was asked about awarding the All-Star Game to the Rangers, the only team that does not have a Pride Night celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
“There are a lot of factors that go into determining which teams qualify for the All-Star Game. I don’t think whether or not we have a Pride Night is a determining factor in the outcome,” he said. “That is what matters. We’re looking at all the issues and trying to make the best decision and award the spots to where we feel is the best in terms of marketing the game.”
“I think it’s really important to remember here [at Globe Life Field]Huge public investment is being made to build fantastic new facilities.”
Clark survived an attempted coup in March in which he fought minor league organizer Harry Marino for control of the union.
Clarke said the players’ association has a “good clubhouse” and he feels the group remains united despite differences of opinion.
He also welcomes any challengers.
“I don’t lose sleep over being challenged. I’m 6[feet]”-7 … broad shoulders,” Clark said. “No, that doesn’t bother me. The consideration is always making sure that players have an opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.”
