We are roughly three weeks into the lengthy, rigorous MLB season, and this year has brought the long-awaited Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS). ABS is reshaping the modern game of baseball and reevaluating the importance of the different roles across the field.
ABS is intended to eliminate umpire bias by relying on computer-generated calls for strikes and balls. The system is structured to be used fairly and reasonably throughout a game, while not fully excluding the umpire’s role. Each team has two ABS challenges, separate from preexisting play challenges. The team retains the challenge if the call is overturned, but loses it if the call stands. Only the batter, pitcher and catcher are allowed to challenge a pitch. The catch is that the player has roughly two seconds after the pitch to decide whether or not to challenge, and they may not consult coaches or teammates. If the player decides to go through with the challenge, they tap the top of their head to indicate a replay review. An automated system then reviews the pitch; if the ball remotely touches the strike zone, the pitch is considered a strike.
The strike zone varies depending on the player’s height. According to MLB Savant, the Google Cloud Statcast system, “The top of the zone is set at 53.5% of a player’s measured height without cleats. The bottom is set at 27% of the player’s measured height.”
ABS has exposed the human error that umpires bring to the game. It is revolutionizing the game and leveling the playing field. Statistics from MLB Savant have shown that 54% of calls challenged are overturned by the system — that’s 474 incorrect calls just 15 games into the season. We have seen that the majority of challenges have come from batters and catchers, while pitchers have challenged only 19 calls so far. Catchers have shown a good eye for pitches, winning 62% of their challenges. The statistics show that batters are using the system to get themselves out of a jam; the percentage of challenges when the count is full or two strikes skyrockets.
While ABS is bringing a much-needed equalizer to the game, it devalues the role of a good catcher. We are left wondering how relevant framing is to the game anymore. A skilled catcher can convince the umpire that a pitch outside of the strike zone should be called a strike. Now, the catcher not only needs to deceive the umpire but also the batter and the pitcher when framing a pitch.
For the time being, catchers’ strongest contribution to the team is their ability to read a pitch and challenge it if the umpire is wrong. Their role isn’t becoming less demanding; rather, it’s evolving into a new set of skills. You could even argue that the catcher’s role has become increasingly vital, as they are effectively in charge of doling out this finite resource on behalf of the whole team.
With just two challenges per team per game, the system isn’t designed to be maximized by efficient deployment. Many teams have been adamant that they are looking for the best ratio between challenges and calls overturned, not simply the most challenges. Managers and coaching staff are having to reevaluate their coaching styles to fit into the new style of play.
As a fan, this has been a stark change in the MLB’s product in a variety of ways. I have found myself channeling less rage towards the umpire as radical calls are becoming less common. Rather, I am finding myself frustrated with my own team when they waste a scarce challenge on a seemingly clear call. The rhythm of the game has been thrown off by brief interruptions every inning or so to check the integrity of the pitch. While it feels like much of the game is happening behind the scenes, the fairness is bringing a new sense of tranquility to the fan experience.
We are all still getting used to this new style of play, and grace has to be given to all involved. As the season progresses, the application of ABS will become more seamless. Soon, we will forget what baseball was like before the introduction of the system.
