As the 2025 Major League Baseball season unfolds, the role of umpires is under unprecedented scrutiny. With the advent of technology like the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system and ongoing debates about the definition of a swing, the traditional human element of officiating is being reevaluated.

The Rise of Technology in Umpiring:

This spring, MLB expanded its testing of the ABS challenge system during spring training games. This system allows pitchers, catchers, and batters to challenge ball or strike calls by tapping their helmet or cap, prompting a swift review using Hawk-Eye technology.

Each team is allotted two challenges per game, retaining them if successful. The process, averaging around 17 seconds, aims to enhance accuracy without significantly disrupting the game’s flow.

While many players and managers have expressed support for the system, appreciating the increased accuracy and fairness, some concerns remain. Veteran players like Max Scherzer have voiced apprehension about diminishing the human aspect of the game, emphasizing the traditional role of umpires in baseball’s fabric.

Is it helpful? Absolutely. Is it needed? Some would argue most definitely and some would argue not at all. Occasionally an umpire calls a game that makes you question if he even is aware there is a strike zone, and others are near perfect.

Defining the Indefinable: What Constitutes a Swing?

Another area of focus is the ambiguity surrounding the definition of a swing. Historically, umpires have relied on subjective judgment to determine whether a batter has swung, leading to inconsistent and sometimes controversial calls.

In response, MLB has initiated a pilot program in the Single-A Florida State League, employing replay technology to objectively assess swings. Under this system, a swing is defined if the bat’s head crosses 45 degrees ahead of the knob, allowing for challenges using computer analysis.

Though still in its early stages, this initiative represents a significant step toward standardizing one of baseball’s most subjective calls, potentially paving the way for broader implementation in the future.

Umpires in the Spotlight:

Despite technological advancements, human umpires continue to play a critical role in the game. Instances like the recent ejection of Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler and manager Alex Cora, following a disputed strike call by umpire Mike Estabrook, highlight the ongoing impact of umpiring decisions on game dynamics.

Conversely, umpires like Mark Ripperger have demonstrated exceptional performance, with Ripperger achieving a “perfect game” by correctly calling all 136 taken pitches in a matchup between the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals.

Where Will it End or Will it?

I believe that the MLB is trying to improve their product on the field. The pitch clock has done that. Replay has done that to an extent.

As MLB continues to integrate technology into officiating, the balance between human judgment and automated accuracy remains a central theme. While systems like ABS aim to reduce errors and enhance fairness, preserving the game’s traditional elements is equally important to many within the baseball community.

The 2025 season serves as a pivotal moment in this evolution, with ongoing trials and discussions shaping the future of umpiring in Major League Baseball. Agree or disagree, more changes are coming in the next 5 years.