Statcast Breakdown: MiLB ABS Analysis

MLB umpire Emil Jimenez. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Long live the robots. The robots are here to stay.

After trial runs in both Triple-A and spring training, the Automated Ball Strike Challenge System [ABS] has made its way to the big leagues in 2026.

Starting on Opening Day 2026, players have been able to turn to ABS to issue a final judgment on close ball/strike calls. ABS is the first system to take away unilateral ball/strike decision-making from the home plate umpire’s discretion.