Manfred: Fan reaction to ABS 'overwhelmingly positive'

Robot umpires are winning over fans during spring training.

"Reaction certainly from fans has been overwhelmingly positive," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said of the Automated Ball-Strike System being tested during spring training, according to The Associated Press.

"I think that there's confirmation that the use of the technology and the renderings and the scoreboard is really a fan engagement addition that people really like."

Manfred added that MLB would consult with owners, management officials, and players before deciding whether to use the system during the 2026 regular-season campaign.

While fans have embraced the system, not everyone supports ABS. Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer recently said he remains skeptical of the challenge system and credited big-league umpires for their abilities behind the plate.

"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," Scherzer said.