Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Umpires Association came to a tentative agreement on a new five-year collective bargaining agreement Monday, pending ratification by the umpires and owners next month.
The previous contract between the league and umpires ran out after the 2024 season, and the sides have been negotiating this winter, coming to an agreement before the Christmas holiday.
It would mark the fifth straight five-year contract without a labor dispute.
Assuming both sides ratify the new deal as expected, MLB will have flexibility in future implementation of an electronic strike zone. When that might take place, or in what form, has not been determined, sources told ESPN's Buster Olney.
MLB has been experimenting with the electronic strike zone in recent minor-league seasons, including a limited challenge system -- a concept that has the support of many MLB players, managers and coaches.
The new agreement means the league is likely to move forward with its plans to test its automated ball-strike system during spring training next year. One of the final steps was working out specifics with the MLBUA.
"It's a fair contract and the OTC [office of the commissioner] treated us with respect throughout the negotiations," the union said in a statement. "We understand the role we play in our game and have worked hard to build our relationship into a partnership with open communications. We look forward to the continued positive growth in the game in the years to come."
Deals were reached ahead of the 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 seasons following a mass resignation in 1999 that led to 22 umpires losing their jobs. Eleven of the 22 were rehired by the 2005 season.
Umpires engaged in work stoppages in 1970, 1978, 1979, 1984, 1990, 1991 and 1995.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.