Major League Baseball is likely to implement the Automated Ball-Strikes System for the 2027 regular season after feedback from the players, according to USA Today Reporter Bob Nightengale.
Per MLB.com, The ABS uses computer-vision technology to track the trajectory of pitches and determine if they cross through the strike zone. A player, either the batter, pitcher or catcher, can challenge the initial call by the umpire if they feel that it’s incorrect.
If the challenge is made, an automated replay system shows the pitch location on a scoreboard, and the umpire confirms or overturns the original call. The ABS challenge system was tested during this past spring training and it has also been fully used in Minor League Baseball at the Triple-A level since 2024. It was first used in independent baseball in the Atlantic League in 2019 and it first started being tested in 2023 in Triple-A.
The ABS challenge system will likely be implemented in 2027 after feedback MLB received from players this spring, per @BNightengale. pic.twitter.com/DVAKm2qlWg
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 1, 2025
In 2023 the Yankees Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders pitcher Will Warren talked about his adjustments with it once he was called up in August of 2023.
“The ABS definitely makes a big difference. They’re just trying to pull you into the middle so you know that’s where they do damage,” Warren told World Baseball Network. “It’s kind’ve flirting with you don’t want to nibble, you want to get in the zone and attack, but at the same time you’re not trying to leave it over the dish too much.”
In Spring Training the system saw a 52.5% success rate when challenged. The ABS has its pros and cons, but with the various missed calls from the umpires it seems like the right time for MLB to implement it.
Photo: Tommy Pham of the Pittsburgh Pirates taps his helmet to request a review of the pitch call during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Bradenton, Fla. The called strike was overturned and ruled a ball using the ABS, resulting in a walk for Pham. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
