The Toronto Blue Jays have officially kicked off their spring training schedule for the upcoming 2025 season, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing few weeks in Dunedin, Florida. The Blue Jays’ complex is one of just 13 spring training stadiums that feature the Automated Balls and Strikes System (ABS), a technological innovation aimed at improving the accuracy of calls made during games. With ABS, players can challenge ball and strike calls, allowing for a quick review process intended to enhance fairness.
However, the atmosphere surrounding this new system is not without its controversies. Max Scherzer, the new pitcher for the Blue Jays and a veteran of the game, has voiced his skepticism regarding the use of robot umpires. In a candid discussion with Jayson Stark of The Athletic, Scherzer shared his thoughts: “Can we just play baseball? We’re humans. Can we just be judged by humans? Do we really need to disrupt the game? I think humans are defined by humans.” His words resonate with many fans and players who value the traditional elements of baseball and may feel uneasy about the increasing presence of technology in the sport they love.
In his first outing with the Blue Jays against the St. Louis Cardinals, Scherzer experienced firsthand the impact of this system. He became involved in a couple of challenges—one initiated by the Cardinals’ Lars Nootbaar that successfully overturned a called strike to a ball in the first inning. Scherzer then took a chance himself in the second inning, only to come up short, reinforcing his trepidation around ABS.
Despite Scherzer’s objections, Major League Baseball (MLB) is steadily moving toward implementing robot umpires in regular-season play, having already tested this system in minor league games over the past few seasons. This spring, teams are getting their first taste of how ABS might function, and the Blue Jays have an opportunity to refine their strategy, especially as the regular season looms close on the horizon.
As the Blue Jays gear up for a season filled with storylines—from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract situation to Scherzer’s recovery and adaptation—spring training is a crucial time for them to familiarize themselves with ABS. Fans should take note of this experimental phase, especially since the Blue Jays will soon navigate a landscape where technology increasingly dictates the flow of the game.
For those closely following the Grapefruit League, there are ample opportunities to observe ABS in action. The list of teams with the system is indeed intriguing, as it includes heavyweights like the New York Yankees, alongside the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and Miami Marlins. This is particularly significant because MLB is aiming for a smooth transition to these systems, especially with regular-season games hitting the Yankees’ spring training facility this year.
In the Cactus League, technology is just as prevalent. All five shared facilities are equipped with ABS, and teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers, as well as the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks, will all be leveraging this new system. Collectively, around 60% of the spring training games will utilize this technology, giving players ample time to adapt before moving into the regular season.
For dedicated baseball fans, absorbing the nuances of automated calls and the player adjustments to this technology is more than just a curiosity; it’s a window into the evolving nature of the game. Whether you’re a longtime die-hard supporter or a casual observer, embracing this change might soon become part of the baseball experience. With veteran players like Scherzer expressing their perspectives and young talents striving to make their mark, this spring is undoubtedly one to watch as the Blue Jays and other teams navigate the uncharted waters of baseball with a modern twist. The game continues to evolve, and those who cherish it will find the journey just as compelling as the game itself.
Image Source: Max Scherzer @ Instagram
