Changes in Major League Baseball’s evaluation of umpires have resulted in a tighter definition for strike calls along the edges of the strike zone as the 2025 season commences. According to a report by The Athletic, this adjustment is part of a new labor agreement established with the umpires’ union in December.

Details of the Buffer Zone Changes

Previously, umpires had a “buffer zone” of 2 inches for grading how accurately they called balls and strikes. This has now been reduced to just 0.75 inches for both inside and outside the strike zone.

“We notified GMs and Field Managers about this change during the offseason, and communicated with the Clubs when the umpire CBA was ratified,” said a league official.

Statistics are showing that strike calls have been more accurate this season compared to any prior season since Statcast’s introduction in 2015, with over 88% accuracy reported. Despite a tighter strike zone, offensive performance appears unchanged, with league averages mirroring those of last season.

The competition committee will discuss these evaluation changes and their impact on the game’s flow in their upcoming meeting.