Robo-Umpires in MLB: Players Split on Technology’s Impact

Major League Baseball (MLB) sits at a bit of a crossroads. The league’s looking at new tech to improve game officiating, especially with the possible arrival of an automated ball-strike system (ABS).

Commissioner Rob Manfred has pushed for a challenge system. They’ve already tested it in the minors and during spring training, hoping it could boost accuracy without kicking umpires out of the picture.

But a recent anonymous player survey showed a lot of pushback. Players worry about what this tech could do to the sport’s tradition, pace, and those little interactions that make baseball feel alive.

Player Poll: Resistance to Robo-Umpires Is Overwhelming

The survey results aren’t subtle. Most MLB players just aren’t ready for robo-umpires.

About 63.4% of players oppose automated ball-strike calling. Only 17.1% support it, and another 19.4% can’t decide.

That data points to some deep reservations. Players don’t want to lose the human side of officiating—it’s one of baseball’s most nuanced pieces.

A lot of them think ABS would mess with the game’s fabric, from its rhythm to the skill-based dance between pitcher, catcher, and umpire. Some players also worry about technology glitches and a robotic strike zone that doesn’t quite match the old-school calls.

The Human Element: Tradition vs. Technology

Baseball’s roots run deep in tradition. The human quirks and judgment calls set it apart from other sports.

Catcher framing—where catchers subtly make pitches look better to umpires—has been part of the game for ages. Players worry ABS would erase that, taking away a key edge from catchers.

There’s also that constant chess match between pitchers, catchers, and umpires. It’s subtle, but it keeps the game interesting. Losing these things might change how the game feels, maybe even push some fans away.

The ABS Challenge System: A Middle Ground?

Despite the skepticism, a few players see room for compromise with the ABS challenge system. This idea lets teams challenge calls they think are wrong, while human umpires still call most of the game.

They tested this in the minors and during spring training. It actually worked pretty well, at least as a preview of how things could look in the big leagues.

Some players like the idea of keeping umpires for most calls but using tech for the big, controversial moments. It seems like a decent way to keep unpredictability and those umpire-player relationships intact.

Skepticism About ABS Technology

Still, there’s plenty of doubt. Players point to minor league tests where the system glitched or called strikes in weird ways.

Chasing perfect accuracy might clash with baseball’s natural flow. A lot of players still find comfort in the old rhythms and the feel of a human umpire behind the plate.

Trusting a not-quite-there technology with something as important as calling pitches? That’s a tough sell for many. The respect for umpires runs deep—they’re not just officials, they’re part of the game’s heart.

Alternative Player Recommendations

ABS has grabbed the spotlight lately, but players have other ideas too. In the same poll, some suggested changing the schedule to allow more rest, or ramping up marketing to show off player personalities and reach fans worldwide.

• Try bolder, more creative uniforms to catch fans’ eyes.
• Tweak rules to make things fairer or more exciting—maybe change arbitration or free agency rules.
• Host more international events to grow baseball’s global presence.

These suggestions show players want to keep baseball’s traditional soul. But they’re also open to changes that could make the game more fun and accessible for everyone.

The Bottom Line: Tradition vs. Progress

The debate over robo-umpires and ABS gets at something deeper in baseball. It’s really about whether the sport should stick to its roots or embrace new tech, even if it feels a bit weird at first.

Most players say they want umpires to stay part of the game. There’s this sense that the human element, for all its flaws, just belongs on the field.

Still, some folks are cautiously hopeful. Maybe something like the ABS challenge system could offer a middle ground that doesn’t toss out tradition but still helps with accuracy.

MLB faces a tough balancing act as it looks ahead. The league has to honor baseball’s history while also making sure the game stays fair and fun for everyone.

Technology isn’t really the villain here. But if you ask a lot of fans and players, keeping baseball’s unique identity matters more than anything else.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Robo-umps might be coming to MLB. Are players for or against them?