Players say MLB’s robot umpires are shrinking the strike zone

Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald believes that Major League Baseball’s new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system is giving batters an edge over pitchers. The system, which uses robot umpires, has led to a smaller strike zone, resulting in a significant increase in walks. This season, players have drawn walks in 9.8% of plate appearances, the highest rate since 1950. While the league’s batting average has slightly decreased, the change in the strike zone has sparked debate among players. Some, like Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger, think it’s too early to draw conclusions, while others, like D-backs catcher James McCann, believe the tighter strike zone is causing more walks. The ABS system aims to make calls more uniform, but its impact on the game is still unfolding. QUESTION: How might the introduction of technology like the ABS system change the way future baseball players train and play the game?