MLB Commissioner Hints at Potential Shift to Automated Strike Zone by 2026

MLB eyes the Automated Ball-Strike System for the 2026 season. Commissioner Rob Manfred indicates the technology will be reviewed by the competition committee, which includes six management representatives. During a spring training trial across 288 games, teams succeeded on 52.2% of ball/strike challenges using the system. Manfred notes, "I do think that we’re going to pursue the possibility of change." He adds teams are positive about ABS, citing increased email complaints about calls since its implementation. A separate experiment for challenging checked-swing calls launched in the Class A Florida State League on May 20 but isn’t under consideration for MLB in 2026. Manfred emphasizes the need to finalize the ABS decision before exploring additional challenges.