TL;DR - Scouting Report
MLB’s 2025 rule changes introduce stricter penalties for shifts, new abandonment rules, and a spring training test for the automated strike zone (ABS).
Start the Rally: Tweet This Now!Major League Baseball is making bold moves for the game’s future, with new rules for 2025 and its most extensive test yet of the automated ball-strike system (ABS) during spring training. These changes aim to modernize play, enforce fairer penalties, and leverage advanced technology, with the ABS potentially debuting in 2026.
MLB’s 2025 Rule Changes
Infield Shift Violations
- New Penalty: If a fielder violates the shift rule and is the first to touch the ball, the batter is awarded first base, runners advance one base, and the fielder is charged with an error.
- Why It Matters: This prevents teams from intentionally violating the shift rule, ensuring fair play.
Base-Running Abandonment
- New Replay Authority: Replay officials can now rule a runner out for abandoning second or third base during a force play.
- Impact: This change deters runners from exploiting loopholes to gain an advantage.
Spring Training ABS Testing
The ABS, or “robo-umps,” will be used in over 60% of spring training games, marking its first use with major-league players.
Standardized Strike Zone
- Consistent Size: ABS fixes the strike zone at 443 square inches, regardless of pitch count. This contrasts with human umpires, who adjust the zone based on the situation.
- Rectangular Shape: Unlike the oval-like human-called zone, ABS uses a rectangular zone, favoring pitchers on corners and hitters on high or low pitches.
Challenge System
- How It Works: Teams get two challenges per game to dispute umpire calls. A successful challenge retains the team’s remaining challenges.
- Game Impact: Challenges add an average of 17 seconds to game time, ensuring minimal disruption.
By the Numbers
- Most ABS Games: Arizona Diamondbacks (29 games)
- Fewest ABS Games: Chicago Cubs (7 games)
- League Averages: Cactus League teams will play 21 ABS games on average, while Grapefruit League teams will play 19.
What to Expect
Real-Time Feedback
Players can review pitch locations on dugout iPads through the ProTabs app, ensuring transparency. While the app doesn’t include video, pitch updates are available after each at-bat.
Minimal Fan Disruption
MLB’s two-challenge system aligns with fan preferences, as surveys show most prefer no more than four challenges per game.
Long-Term Vision
If successful, ABS could debut in the regular season by 2026, fundamentally changing pitching and batting dynamics. Meanwhile, the 2025 rule changes aim to eliminate gray areas and maintain fairness on the field.
MLB’s efforts to modernize the game reflect a forward-thinking approach. The league sets the stage for a more consistent and exciting future with these new rules and ABS testing.
What do you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments!
This article was inspired by reporting from Evan Drellich of The Athletic.
