Butler in favor of challenge system: 'I'm fed up with the umpires'

Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler is in favor of Major League Baseball implementing the automated ball-strike challenge system as soon as possible.

"ABS, I'm fed up with the umpires," the 25-year-old told Alex Tantrum of MLB FITS when asked what he would change if he was commissioner for a day.

"I've had enough with the umpires. They miss too many calls both ways. They call strikes balls, balls strikes."

Butler clarified he wasn't in favour of an "all-robotic" strike zone. Instead, he believes the challenge system used in the minor leagues as well as during MLB's spring training and the 2025 All-Star Game would better hold umpires accountable.

"I want the challenge system," Butler said. "If you look at Triple-A, the umpires are a little bit more cautious of what pitches they call because they know a pitcher or hitter might challenge it and they might embarrass them."

Butler added: "I feel like up here they don't give a f--k."

Commissioner Rob Manfred said in June he plans to introduce a proposal to the league's competition committee that would bring the ABS challenge system to MLB in 2026.