5 MINUTES AGO: Baseball player Jeremiah Smith has made a surprising statement, calling on the World Baseball Federation (WBF) to implement VAR technology in major games starting in 2026 to ensure fairness between teams. This response has received widespread support from other players who agree with Jeremiah Smith.

Following this, the NACC President’s response included a statement directly targeting Jeremiah Smith…

Just minutes ago, the global baseball community was shaken by a bold and unexpected statement from star baseball player Jeremiah Smith, who publicly urged the World Baseball Federation (WBF) to introduce VAR (Video Assistant Review) technology in major international and professional games beginning in the 2026 season.

Smith’s remarks, delivered during a post-game media interaction, instantly ignited intense debate across social media platforms, sports news outlets, and within baseball’s governing bodies.

Jeremiah Smith, widely respected for both his on-field performances and his outspoken leadership, did not hesitate to criticize what he described as “outdated officiating standards” that continue to impact the integrity of modern baseball.

According to Smith, several high-profile games over the past two seasons have been “decided by human error rather than athletic performance,” leaving players and fans frustrated.

“Baseball has evolved, but officiating hasn’t kept pace,” Smith stated. “If we truly believe in fairness, transparency, and protecting the spirit of competition, then VAR must be part of the game starting in 2026. Other sports have already embraced it. Baseball should not be left behind.”

Within minutes of Smith’s statement going public, numerous current and former players voiced their support. Several prominent athletes took to X and Instagram, echoing Smith’s call for technological assistance in officiating.

Many argued that VAR would help eliminate controversial calls related to strike zones, fair-foul decisions, and crucial plays at home plate.

Veteran infielder Marcus Delgado commented, “I’ve lost playoff games because of missed calls. VAR won’t ruin baseball—it will protect it.” Meanwhile, rising star outfielder Leo Chen added, “We owe it to fans and players to get decisions right, especially when championships are on the line.”

According to insiders, discussions about video-assisted review have been quietly circulating within league offices for years. However, resistance from traditionalists and concerns over game flow have repeatedly stalled progress. Smith’s high-profile intervention appears to have accelerated the conversation dramatically.

Fans were quick to weigh in, with hashtags like #VARForBaseball and #FairPlay2026 trending globally within an hour. Sports analysts also jumped into the discussion, noting that baseball already uses limited replay review systems, making Smith’s proposal a logical next step rather than a radical overhaul.

Renowned baseball analyst Daniel Hoffman explained, “What Smith is suggesting isn’t revolutionary—it’s evolutionary. The infrastructure already exists. Expanding it into a standardized VAR system could enhance credibility without fundamentally changing the game.”

The World Baseball Federation released a brief statement acknowledging Smith’s comments, stating that the organization is “actively reviewing advancements in officiating technology” and “welcomes constructive dialogue from players.” However, the WBF stopped short of committing to a 2026 rollout, emphasizing the need for “extensive testing and consensus among stakeholders.”

Behind the scenes, sources suggest that Smith’s remarks may force the WBF to accelerate internal reviews, especially given the overwhelming public and player support.

The most controversial development came shortly afterward, when the President of the NACC (National Association of Championship Clubs) issued a response that appeared to directly target Jeremiah Smith. Without mentioning him by name, the president criticized “certain athletes who seek attention by questioning the competence of officials.”

“Baseball is built on respect—for umpires, traditions, and the human element,” the statement read. “Turning every judgment call into a video review risks undermining the soul of the sport.”

The remarks were widely interpreted as a direct rebuke of Smith, and they immediately sparked backlash. Critics accused the NACC leadership of dismissing legitimate concerns and silencing player voices. Several commentators described the response as “defensive” and “out of touch with modern sports realities.”

Jeremiah Smith, however, remained composed. In a follow-up interview, he clarified that his call for VAR was not an attack on umpires but a step toward supporting them.

“Officials do a tough job under immense pressure,” Smith said. “VAR isn’t about blaming them—it’s about helping them. The game has become faster, stronger, and more complex. Technology can be a partner, not an enemy.”

His measured response further strengthened public support, with many praising Smith for addressing the issue respectfully while standing firm on his position.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Jeremiah Smith has triggered one of the most significant governance debates baseball has seen in years. With player unity, fan engagement, and growing media scrutiny, the pressure on the WBF and organizations like the NACC is intensifying.

If VAR is implemented in 2026, it could mark a historic turning point for baseball, aligning it with other global sports that have embraced technology to ensure fairness and accuracy. If not, governing bodies may face increasing criticism for ignoring the voices of those who play the game.

For now, the baseball world waits. But five minutes after Jeremiah Smith spoke up, the conversation has already changed—and there may be no turning back.