Byron Buxton, the Minnesota Twins’ standout player, has publicly criticized the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, which was introduced at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta. The system, which allows pitchers to challenge calls from the umpires using the technology to determine whether a pitch falls within the strike zone, has been a topic of debate in the baseball community. Buxton’s disapproval came after a controversial moment during the All-Star game, where a pivotal play was reversed on appeal, leading to the National League’s victory in the first-ever All-Star swing-off.
At the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, the ABS system was tested in a high-stakes environment. The incident involving Padres’ Manny Machado underscored the system’s potential to alter the game’s outcome. During the bottom of the first inning, Machado’s pitch was ruled a ball, resulting in a 1-2 count. However, after the appeal, the call was reversed, and Machado was ruled out on strike. This moment highlighted the system’s ability to correct calls, yet it also intensified the debate over its impact on the game’s integrity and player performance.
Buxton, who has been a key contributor for the Twins, shared his views on the ABS system, emphasizing that it complicates the game’s traditional aspects. He pointed out that the system’s introduction has led to increased scrutiny and a different approach to how players interpret pitches. Buxton’s comments reflect a broader concern within the baseball community about the potential loss of human judgment and the game’s reliance on technology. While some players and analysts see the ABS system as a necessary evolution, others like Buxton worry it could undermine the essence of the sport.
Despite the controversy, the ABS system’s debut at the All-Star game marked a significant step in the integration of technology into sports. The system’s potential to improve accuracy in calling pitches has been a long-standing discussion within the MLB. However, the mixed reactions from players and fans highlight the challenges of introducing such technology into a sport that has evolved over decades. Buxton’s criticism adds to the ongoing debate about whether the ABS system is the right path for baseball moving forward.
In addition to his comments on the ABS system, Buxton also made a notable contribution to the game, hitting a key double in the ninth inning that helped secure the National League’s victory in the All-Star swing-off. This highlights Buxton’s role as a key player in major events, even as he expresses concerns about the direction of the sport. The tension between tradition and technological advancement in baseball continues to be a central issue, as the league moves toward an era that may be more influenced by technology than ever before.