MLB changed its evaluation of umpires, leading to fewer called strikes on edges of zone, per report

CBS Sports ^ | 05/01/2025 | Mike Axisa

[TexasKamaAina]

For the past two decades, umpires were working with a "buffer zone" that gave them 2 inches of leeway — on all sides of the plate, inside and outside the strike zone — when they were graded on how accurately they called balls and strikes.

Now, however, that buffer zone has shrunk, from 2 inches on all sides to just three-quarters of an inch on all sides

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TOPICS: Sports
KEYWORDS: baseball; homers; mlb; strikezone; umpires

[TexasKamaAina]

Article includes a link to The Athletic with more details if anyone wants to geek out on it.

[Yo-Yo]

I think that we’re at the point where MLB can use electronically called balls and strikes, with the Umpire able to override an automatic call if necessary.

[jjotto]

AAA already using automated ball/strike calls. Soon (maybe 2026) to come to majors.

[Bullish]

They used the EBS system all the way through the pre season. They had a challenge to change the call rule. Although I really dread to see new rules in MLB, the umpires have been missing too many B/S calls for years and something should be done about that. The EBS worked well enough to see it used in the regular season if you ask me. At least on a trial basis.

[logi_cal869]

I could really GAS about professional baseball. I was a player for years and absolutely HATE spectating.

That stated, I think it’s high time to remove the umpire from the plate for pitches and let AI do the job.

3 field umpires with one ‘at’ the plate, but no more pitch calls by a human for MLB. fwiw

[BipolarBob]

I second that. I was watching a college game yesterday (I know different format) and not only did the ump not call a strike but the batters checked swing definitely should have been called a strike. The replay showed everything and the commentators were careful what they said but let you know the ump blew that one and it ended with the batter taking a base.

[Repeal The 17th]

Automated (or electronic) “Balls and Strikes”
is an interesting concept.
It has been in use in the minors for 2 years now.
I still do not understand how the system adjusts itself to
the changing size of the strike zone from batter-to-batter.
-
MLB Rulebook:
“The official strike zone is the area over home plate
from the midpoint between a batter’s shoulders
and the top of the uniform pants;
when the batter is in his stance and prepared to swing
at a pitched ball; and a point just below the kneecap.”

[sphinx]

Agreed. It’s overdue.

[gwjack]

That will begin next season. It experimented in spring ball this year.

[gwjack]

The width of home plate never changes - it is 17 inches in little league, AAU, high school, college, minor leagues, and MLB. There shouldn’t be a gray area. It is either over the 17 inches, or not. Just sayin’

[jjotto]

The bottom of the zone will be set at 27% of a player’s height and the top set at 53.5% of their height.

Width is always 17 inches.

[Dilbert San Diego]

You were a player? A professional baseball player?

Then you probably have some insights the rest of us do not have, regarding bad calls by umpires.

Makes sense to me to have modern technology assist. Umpires are only human and i’m sure they do miss things sometimes.

[Billthedrill]

Well, Ángel Hernández retired last year. That’s going to clean things up all by itself.

[Repeal The 17th]

Sounds like they will have to change the rule-book (again)...

[jjotto]

Yes, but the strike zone has changed in the rule book a couple times anyway and everyone adjusted.

[Kenny Bania]

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I think that we’re at the point where MLB can use electronically called balls and strikes, with the Umpire able to override an automatic call if necessary.

Next up, animatronic robots of Babe Ruth, Pete Rose, Stan Musial, etc. as designated hitters.

I think I am being facetious, but I'm really not sure.

[Hebrews 11:6]

You know how arrogant Angel was, but did you know Angel has the unbelievable arrogance to operate an umpiring school?

[alternatives?]

Stats used to be a big part of baseball. They have changed the rules so many times nothing is comparable over time. Players change teams multiple times. I quit caring a long time ago and didn’t expose my kids to it. They don’t care either.

[Dilbert San Diego]

They have added new statistics, such as WAR, wins above replacement, which was supposed to measure a player’s value compared to other players , as I understand it.

I have not kept up with how you calculate these new statistics that they talk about. I don’t understand the significance of those stats.