SouthernWorldwide.com – John Smoltz, a renowned World Series champion, has voiced his concerns regarding the potential full-time implementation of the Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system in baseball.
Smoltz, 59, believes that while the current challenge system for ABS has been a positive development, its complete integration for all pitches could fundamentally alter the game and make hitting exceptionally difficult.
He expressed his strong preference for the existing format, where teams are allotted two challenges per game. Smoltz emphasized his plea against a fully automated system, stating it would be detrimental to baseball.
“I like the fact that it’s only a challenge system. I’m begging and pleading that it never goes to a full-time system. Baseball will suffer and not be the same and it’ll be impossible to hit,” Smoltz stated.
While acknowledging the ABS challenge system as a “big success” for Major League Baseball, Smoltz also highlighted some unintended consequences that have emerged. These include a noticeable decrease in swing rates and a significant increase in walk rates.
Smoltz attributed these changes partly to pitchers’ diminished ability to command the baseball, suggesting they had previously relied on throwing pitches into the strike zone without precise control. He noted that hitters, catchers, and the overall nuances of the game are now adapting to this new reality.
Data from Fangraphs supports Smoltz’s observations. Last season, hitters swung at 47.5% of pitches and had a walk rate of 8.4%. This season, the swing rate has dropped to 46.9%, while the walk rate has climbed to 9.2%.
As a Baseball Hall of Famer, Smoltz, who spent 21 seasons in the major leagues, with 20 of those with the Atlanta Braves, believes he would have benefited from the ABS system during his playing career.
His career accolades include an impressive record of 213 wins and 155 losses, an earned run average (ERA) of 3.33, and 154 saves. He notably transitioned to a relief pitcher for a period following Tommy John surgery.
Smoltz is currently participating in the American Century Championship, an event scheduled to take place from July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. The tournament is slated for broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
