Rob Manfred: Automatic strike zone is “possible” in the MLB by 2026

ARLINGTON, Texas – Rob Manfred cautioned that there are still some issues to be resolved, but acknowledged that there is a “realistic possibility” that Major League Baseball will implement an automated system to help umpires determine balls and strikes starting in 2026.

The commissioner testified during All-Star Week from the Live! Hotel near Globe Life Field that the competition committee, which votes on rule changes, would likely not give the system the green light without first testing it during spring training.

So there is a chance that the system will be introduced next spring and if all goes well, it could be fully implemented by the start of the 2026 season.

“But will that happen this year?” Manfred asked before Tuesday’s All-Star game. “I will not be unprepared for that question.”

The Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System has been in use at the Triple-A level since 2022. In this system, human umpires still make the decisions, but teams have a limited number of appeals they can use to appeal those decisions. When an appeal is made, high-speed cameras that capture the location of each pitch decide whether the decision is upheld or overturned.

Both Manfred and Tony Clark, executive director of the Players Association, said players prefer the ABS challenge system, which combines the human factor with technology, to full acceptance of a robo-referee.

Manfred said that while the technology was “accurate to the hundredth of an inch,” there were problems in determining the strike zone itself.

“We have technical problems with the definition of the strike zone that still need to be resolved,” said Manfred.

The league revised its rules ahead of the 2023 season, notably by introducing a pitch clock, and faced a lot of backlash over the abrupt adjustments on the field.

Manfred would like to take more time for this conversion.

“One thing we learned with the changes last year is that a little more time is better than too little time,” he said. “When you take something to the big leagues, you have to make sure you do it right.”

The league and its players are open to the possibility of participating in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

At the 2028 Games, baseball will be played with or without major league players after the sport was re-added to the Olympics in 2021. At that time, MLB only allowed players not on the 40-man rosters to participate.

Casey Wasserman, a well-known agent and chairman of the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, met with the owners to sell them on the idea.

“We are talking about what can be done – what exactly would it look like?” said Manfred. “What compromises would we have to make with regard to our season? I remain unbiased on this issue.”

It is possible that the games will replace the All-Star break.

“The feedback we have received from players so far suggests there is interest in participating if the opportunity arises,” Clark said.

Given the widespread criticism from fans and players over the jerseys worn at the All-Star Game, Manfred said the league will discuss whether to allow players to wear their own team’s jerseys again next season.

“I’m aware of the sentiment on this issue,” Manfred said. “It’s something we’ll talk about after the All-Star Game. … Of course, the conversations have to involve the players first and foremost, but also Nike and some of our partners.”

“But I am aware of this sentiment and know why people like this tradition.”

Both MLB and the union praised the game last month at Rickwood Field, the oldest professional baseball stadium in the country and the former home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues.

Clark and Manfred agreed that the league should return to Alabama in some form in the coming seasons.

“Having an event and then disappearing is not what we should do,” Clark said.

“I think we’ll do more in Birmingham,” Manfred said. “We’ll try to create some kind of sequel there. We haven’t decided on the exact role there yet.”

Manfred was asked if he would award the All-Star Game to the Rangers, the only team that does not host a Pride Night to celebrate the LGBTQ+ communities.

“There are a whole host of factors that go into deciding who gets an All-Star Game, and I don’t see whether or not there’s a Pride Night as determining the outcome,” he said. “It’s a concern. We look at all of those factors and make the best decision and try to leave it to the venue that we think is best suited in terms of marketing the game.”

“I think it’s really important to remember that there is a massive public investment going on here (at Globe Life Field) to create a great new facility.”

Clark survived a so-called coup attempt in March when he fought with minor league organizer Harry Marino for control of the union.

Clark said the players association has “a good clubhouse” and even though there may be disagreements, he feels the group is united.

He also welcomes all challengers.

“I don’t lose sleep when I’m challenged. I’m 6’10” … broad shoulders,” Clark said. “No, it doesn’t faze me. What’s always going to play a role is making sure our players have the opportunity to voice their concerns.”