MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Aims to Test Automated Strike Zone in 2025

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced plans to test an automated strike zone during spring training in 2025, with the potential for full implementation in 2026.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced on Tuesday that the league is aiming to test an automated strike zone (ABS) during spring training in 2025, with the potential for full implementation in the 2026 season. The move is designed to address concerns over the accuracy and consistency of human umpires calling balls and strikes.

"We need '25 to do the spring training test if we can get these issues resolved, which will make '26 a viable possibility," Manfred said. "Is that going to be the year? I'm not going to be flat-footed on that issue."

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Aims to Test Automated Strike Zone in 2025

The automated strike zone system has been used in experimental form in Triple-A ballparks since last year. Two different systems have been tested: a challenge system where umpires call the game normally while teams have a limited number of challenges, and a full ABS system. Manfred stated that players overwhelmingly favor the challenge system.

"When you bring something to the big leagues, you got to make sure you've got it right," Manfred said. "There are technical issues surrounding the definition of the strike zone."

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Aims to Test Automated Strike Zone in 2025

The potential implementation of an ABS has drawn mixed reactions. Some baseball traditionalists are resistant to change, arguing that human umpires are an integral part of the game. Others believe that technology can improve the accuracy and consistency of strike calls.

Manfred has been at the forefront of significant changes to baseball in recent years, including the implementation of a pitch timer, larger bases, and pickoff limitations ahead of the 2023 season. These changes have been aimed at quickening the pace of play, and they have been largely successful in doing so.

The average nine-inning game last year took two hours and 39 minutes to complete, more than 31 minutes faster than the all-time longest time of 3:10 in 2021. This year, nine-inning contests last two hours and 35 minutes on average.

The rule changes have also led to an increase in attendance despite concerns from some fans that the game was changing too much. MLB drew 70.7 million fans to its stadiums in 2023, the most since 2017. This year's attendance numbers are on pace to finish lower, but there is still plenty of summer remaining.

Manfred has indicated that he will retire from his role as Commissioner after his contract expires in 2029. The introduction of an automated strike zone is likely to be a significant part of his legacy and will continue to shape the future of Major League Baseball.