Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has publicly criticized the World Baseball Classic (WBC) for not implementing the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) during the tournament, following the Dominican Republic's 6-5 loss to the United States in the 2026 quarterfinals. The defeat eliminated the Dominican team from the competition.
In post-game comments verified by multiple sports outlets, Guerrero Jr. expressed frustration with several called strikes during the game. "I think they should use the ABS system in the next World Baseball Classic," Guerrero Jr. stated, referring to the technology used in some minor leagues to assist umpires with ball and strike calls.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic, which concluded with a United States victory over Japan, did not utilize the ABS system for any of its games. Tournament organizers have historically maintained traditional umpiring for the international event.
Guerrero Jr.'s comments have sparked discussion among fans and analysts about the potential role of technology in future international tournaments. The WBC has not issued an official response to the player's criticism regarding the officiating technology.
