MLB Plans Automated Ball-Strike System with Robo Umpires by 2026

Major League Baseball is set to introduce the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system in the 2026 season, allowing teams to challenge balls and strikes in real time with the aid of robotic umpires. The ABS system, which uses Hawk-Eye cameras and has been tested extensively in minor leagues since 2019, permits two challenges per game from the pitcher, batter, or catcher, with additional challenges in extra innings if successful. This technology aims to reduce human error and the number of ejections linked to disputes over calls, as 60% of ejections in recent seasons involved balls and strikes. The New York Yankees and other teams are already strategizing how to integrate ABS challenges into game tactics, weighing factors like inning, count, and game leverage. While some players find the system adds a new psychological and strategic layer, others remain skeptical about its impact on the game's dynamics. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized that this move followed extensive fan input and minor league testing to enhance the game while maintaining player acceptance.