Mets-Yankees Series Sparks Umpire Criticism, Manager Ejection

A series of controversial umpiring decisions has reignited debate over MLB's officiating standards, particularly during high-stakes games like the recent Cubs-Cardinals and Mets-Yankees matchups. In Chicago, a contentious out-of-bounds call against Ian Happ drew fierce criticism from former players and fans, with many arguing the ruling robbed the Cubs of a crucial opportunity, echoing broader frustrations with inconsistent enforcement of the rules. Meanwhile, the Mets-Yankees Subway Series was marred by a string of questionable calls from umpires Mike Estabrook and John Bacon, culminating in Mets manager Carlos Mendoza's dramatic ejection after protesting strikes called against Luis Torrens in the ninth inning. Fans and analysts have pointed to data showing thousands of missed calls this season, fueling calls for the adoption of automated strike zone technology, already being trialed in the minors and expected in MLB as early as 2026. These incidents have intensified scrutiny on umpires, with some suggesting that 'robo-umps' could improve fairness and consistency in the game.