MLB Tests Robot Umpires at 2025 All-Star Game

Major League Baseball debuted its Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system during the 2025 All-Star Game, allowing players to challenge ball and strike calls with technology that adapts the strike zone to each batter's height. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history by successfully executing the first ABS challenge, overturning a call to record a strikeout, while other players like Oakland's Jacob Wilson also had successful challenges. The system, tested in minor leagues since 2019 and in spring training games earlier in 2025, grants each team two challenges per game and retains them if successful, with catchers winning 56% of challenges and pitchers 41%. Despite the system's accuracy and Commissioner Rob Manfred's support, some players like Tarik Skubal and Manny Machado express mixed feelings, concerned about losing the human element and preferring to leave challenges to catchers. The ABS strike zone differs from traditional umpire zones by adjusting to batter height, which has sparked debate about its impact on the game. MLB's competition committee is expected to review the system for potential wider implementation as early as next season.