Future Reds' TV broadcasts could look quite different after robo ump implementation

The Cincinnati Reds 2025 television broadcast is going to look a little different than it did a year ago. Annie Sabo will no longer be part of the pre and postgame shows, and Bally Sports is no longer the Reds' broadcast partner. The newly rebranded FanDuel Sports Network will be the official home of Reds baseball in 2025.

FanDuel Sports Cincinnati announced on Wednesday that Reds games will now be available on Amazon Prime during the 2025 season. For an extra $19.99 per month, Amazon Prime members can add their local FanDuel Sports Network broadcast their current package.

Future Reds' TV broadcasts could look quite different after robo ump implementation

But while the commentators may be a bit different and the scroll at the bottom of the screen will be blue rather than red, the Cincinnati faithful can expect much of the 2025 broadcast to be the same. John Sadak, Barry Larkin, Jim Day, and Chris Welsh will bring all the Reds action into your living room.

But the MLB television viewing experience might look a lot different in 2026. The automated ball-strike system, or ABS, is on its way to the big leagues. ABS, also referred to as robo umps, could arrive in 2026 and the Reds will be testing out the technology in spring training during Cactus League play.

During certain spring training games, teams will be given two challenges per game. If a player believes the ball or strike was called incorrectly, he can challenge the call. If the call on the field is upheld, the team loses its challenge. If the call is overturned, the team keeps its challenge — basically the same type of challenge system that exists with MLB's current replay rules.

But the infamous strike-zone box that appears on your screen may be gone when the ABS technology debuts in the major leagues. According to Evan Drellich of The Athletic (subscription required), the league fears the digital box hovering over home plate showing viewers an approximation of the strike zone could interfere with ABS’ effectiveness.

The league is considering removing the strike-zone box from all telecasts; in part to enhance the drama of the challenge system. Where's the fun in knowing before the challenge whether or not the call will be upheld or overturned? MLB also fears that cheating could occur if the strike-zone box is present in the stadium or on screens in the dugout that would allow managers and other players an easily detect whether the call was made correctly.

But for now, Reds fans needn't worry. During the 2025 season the strike-zone box is likely to be present during all FanDuel Sports Network broadcasts, and you'll be free to vehemently disagree with every terrible call that the umpires are sure to make make during the Reds' upcoming season.

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