Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced that the implementation of robot home plate umpires is unlikely for the 2025 season.

“We still have some technical issues,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday at a news conference following an owners meeting. “We haven’t made as much progress in the minor leagues this year as we had hoped. I think it’s becoming more and more likely that this will not be a go for 2025.”

MLB has been experimenting with the automated ball-strike system (ABS) in the minor leagues since 2019. This year, it is being used in all Triple-A parks for the second consecutive season. For the first three games of each series, the robot system is used exclusively, while a human umpire with a challenge system is employed in the final three games.

“There’s a growing consensus, largely based on player feedback, that the challenge system should be the form of ABS if and when we bring it to the big leagues, at least as a starting point,” Manfred said. “I think that’s a good decision.”

The challenge system allows human umpires to make initial calls, with players having the option to challenge a call, which is then reviewed by the automated system. This hybrid approach aims to combine the accuracy of technology with the human element of the game, addressing concerns from players and fans alike.

After implementing a pitch clock in 2023, MLB has slowed the pace of innovation this year, focusing on only minor rule adjustments. The pitch clock, designed to speed up the game and reduce downtime, was one of the most significant changes in recent years and has been largely successful in achieving its goals.

The continued experimentation with ABS in the minor leagues reflects MLB’s commitment to improving the accuracy and fairness of officiating. However, the technology is not yet ready for a full rollout in the major leagues. Issues such as calibration, response time, and integration with the existing game flow need to be addressed before ABS can be considered viable for all games.

The use of technology in sports officiating is a growing trend, with other sports leagues also exploring various forms of automation and video review. However, the transition is complex and requires careful consideration of the impact on the game, players, and fans. The goal is to enhance the accuracy of calls without detracting from the human elements that make sports compelling.

The decision to delay the implementation of robot umpires reflects a cautious approach by MLB. By continuing to test and refine the system in the minor leagues, the league can gather more data and feedback to ensure that when ABS is introduced at the major league level, it will be as effective and seamless as possible.

Players have expressed mixed reactions to the ABS system. Some appreciate the potential for increased accuracy and consistency in ball-strike calls, while others are concerned about the loss of the human element and the impact on the pace and rhythm of the game. The challenge system, which allows for human oversight with technological support, appears to be a compromise that addresses many of these concerns.

Fans have also been vocal about the potential introduction of robot umpires. Traditionalists worry about the loss of the human touch and the historical essence of the game, while others welcome the potential for fairer and more consistent officiating. The challenge system, which combines human judgment with technological accuracy, may help bridge the gap between these differing perspectives.

As MLB continues to innovate and adapt, the integration of new technologies will be crucial in maintaining the sport’s relevance and appeal. The decision-making process regarding ABS and other innovations will likely involve extensive consultation with stakeholders, including players, coaches, officials, and fans.

In summary, while the introduction of robot home plate umpires in MLB is unlikely for 2025, the ongoing experimentation and refinement of the ABS system in the minor leagues indicate that the league is committed to enhancing the accuracy and fairness of officiating. The challenge system, which combines human judgment with technological support, appears to be a promising compromise that could be implemented in the future.