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- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred wants to introduce robo-umps in 2024
- Fans and players have been critical of umpiring this season
- The change could eliminate human error changing the outcome of games
Baseball has introduced a variety of new changes over the last few years, which have impacted the game drastically. Depending how you view those changes, it’s changed for better or worse.
Still, there’s been a few main goals in adding these adaptations. Shorten games, create more action, and get calls right on the field. It seems that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is looking to focus on the latter even further in the coming seasons.
This year, we’ve seen a ton of criticism thrown towards umpires, particularly regarding the strike zone. It’s come from both players and fans, causing frustrations for those on the losing end.
Missed balls and strikes too often lead to ejections, which can have major ramifications on the outcomes of contests. Manfred is hoping to eliminate these miscues as much as possible in the very near future.
MLB Commissioner looks to introduce robo-umps in 2024
In an interview with ESPN’s Don Van Natta, Jr., MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said that he plans to introduce robo-umps, in some form or fashion, in the 2024 season.
That’s huge news in the world of baseball considering the impact it could have on the game. Many around the sport have been begging for this change.
The strike zone is the most debated component in baseball. Some umpires have a bigger zone, others can squeeze pitchers. With an automated ball and strike target, the debate will be eliminated.
Folks around social media have been quick to chime in on the proposed change.
Automated balls and strikes you say? https://t.co/C6VNQnuyb5 pic.twitter.com/NzgEDu0zkB
— Trey Conrad (@TreyConrad11) June 30, 2022
yes, yes, and yes https://t.co/kezoJJLon6
— matt (@mtricNYR) June 30, 2022
Automated balls and strikes 🫶🏻 https://t.co/8UynOxMp23
— Chelsi Darlington (@hockeychelsia) June 30, 2022
Some are even wondering why the change can’t come sooner.
Robot ump in 2024?? The technology already exists. Rule changes move as slowly as the game itself 🫠 https://t.co/7KPYKz3zmI
— THRILLHO (@lowfive_) June 30, 2022
why we gotta wait until 2024 for robo umps man https://t.co/sRnRfwqwyd
— Zack ( I got my joy back) (@zackhatt1) June 30, 2022
There are a few fans that are against the change. They reference the negative effect it could have on the catcher position.
Robot umps are about to absolutely torpedo the value of elite defensive catchers https://t.co/VVEhJmxnqp
— Nick Pecora (@NickPecora_) June 30, 2022
While it could hurt the defensive catchers, it could also force players at the position to become more offensive minded. And everyone loves offense.
Automated balls and strikes would increase offense from the catcher position leaguewide https://t.co/I8w8efQS6r
— Patrick Nolan (@SoxMach_pnoles) June 30, 2022
We’ll have to wait a few years for the rule change to come, but it will be interesting to see how it affects the game upon implementation.