Automated officiating in baseball shows impact on star player treatment
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 4:01 AM
Last updated Aug 7, 2026
A new study examines the effects of automated ball-strike systems on player performance in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Following the introduction of an automated system in 2024, high-status batters experienced a significant decline in performance metrics compared to lower-status players. The study suggests that removing human judgment reduced the advantage typically enjoyed by more recognized players. Researchers analyzed performances of 148 batters and 112 pitchers before and after the system's implementation. Major League Baseball (MLB) has introduced a similar challenge system in 2026, but it retains human umpires for pitch calls.
- •KBO implemented a fully automated ball-strike system in 2024.
- •High-status batters' on-base percentage fell by approximately 7%.
- •The study involved comparisons before and after the adoption of automated officiating.
- •MLB introduced a challenge system in 2026 but keeps human pitch calls.
- •Research indicates that automated systems can change perceptions of player merit.
- 4:01 AMYahoo Sports — How Automated Officiating Could End Star Treatment
"Today’s guest column is from professors John Cairney and Rick Burton. Every sport has its own version of star treatment. NBA fans have long suspected the biggest names, from MJ to SGA, get foul calls that role players do not. NFL supporters argue franchise quarterbacks are more carefully protected than their less prominent counterparts. Soccer fans think the …
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