Manfred: MLB will propose automated ball-strike challenge system for 2026 at the major-league levelhttps://t.co/lXLDfWR4Sw

— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) June 4, 2025

Will be interesting to see how this challenge system will work, if it's implemented.

I personally would prefer an ear piece that tells the ump ball or strike on every pitch. Can you imagine the shock Laz Diaz would go through when being told what a ball and strike actually are?

But a challenge system is the next best thing.

maybe they can make the strike zone rule align with how they call strikes?

I am good with it, as long as each team doesn't get too many challenges and the review is quick (usually just a few seconds from what I recall seeing online). Seems like the number egregiously bad ball/strike calls is increasing.

But I would also propose that as a part of this, they give each home plate ump an overall accuracy grade for the entire game ( it wouldn't have to be made public). Then reward the better umpires through money, playoff assignments, etc.

Laz Diaz games are going to have about 100 challenges a game. If I remember correctly if you challenge and get it right you keep it.

Its only fair if AI is going to replace the rest of our jobs.

KT 90 said:

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I am good with it, as long as each team doesn't get too many challenges and the review is quick (usually just a few seconds from what I recall seeing online). Seems like the number egregiously bad ball/strike calls is increasing.

But I would also propose that as a part of this, they give each home plate ump an overall accuracy grade for the entire game ( it wouldn't have to be made public). Then reward the better umpires through money, playoff assignments, etc.

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For the first paragraph, I've seen it at our Idaho independent league have the call and challenge and PA announcement of the confirmation/change all within 2 seconds, so it can be pretty damn efficient. They have 2 challenges for each team, and they don't keep them regardless of if they win the challenge. Not sure if thats going to be the case with MLB, but personally I think it's better if it's limited overall. Otherwise it could be a bit overwhelming in terms of the integration into the game.

For the second paragraph, I absolutely agree. It will also embarrass the bad umpires pretty consistently and maybe they'll actually do their job better or be replaced as a result, and help the good umpires with confirmation that they're doing a better job. Incentive to be better at your job for fear of embarrassment in front of millions a couple times per game could be effective in bringing this whole issue to everyones attention. It's a win win for everyone except for ****ty umps, but literally nobody cares about them, and maybe, just maybe, there will be consequences to being horrible at your job.

There is no reason for umpires at all in baseball. With the advancements in sensors, gps, AI,etc. there can be games with 100% correct call efficiency now.

As a matter of fact, utilize the available tech with all pro sports (maybe collegiate) that have officiating. We can control missiles with enough precision to hit a specific window with minimal damage to adjacent rooms. We can control space craft millions plus miles from Earth. Why are we still letting idiotic and or stubborn refs/umps/judges control one of the most lucrative activities in this country? No games should be decided by a judgement call.
Many olympic sports could benefit from the elimination of judgement calls/scoring as well.

Have them call every pitch.

Let the players playing the game determine the outcome of the game.

Yesterday said:

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Why even have a human trying to call balls and strikes in this day and age? It's dumb for fans at home to literally see the strike zone box and then have someone behind the plate make a call with his eyeballs.

Have them call judgement calls. Balls and strikes are not judgement calls when we have trackman.

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trackman in game tv production, if done correctly, could be amazing!

kb2001 said:

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Best part about this is the catcher framing the pitch that bounces four feet in front of the plate.

Thought of this over the weekend when I noticed that Wimbledon didn't have any line judges on the court.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/03/sport/wimbledon-line-judges-electronic-calling-tennis-spt-intl