MLB Makes Final Call: Robot Umpires Coming to the Big Leagues in 2026
Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that robot umpires are officially on deck.
Beginning in the 2026 season, MLB will allow players to challenge pitch calls using an Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS), marking one of the most dramatic changes in the history of America’s pastime. The system has been tested in the minor leagues and during spring training, but now it’s getting called up to the majors.
Each team will get two challenges per game to dispute whether a pitch was correctly called a ball or strike by the home plate umpire. If the game goes into extra innings, teams will earn one additional challenge per inning — assuming they’ve used their allotment during regulation.
BREAKING: Major League Baseball will use the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) during the entire 2026 season
ABS CHALLENGE RULES:
– Each team will get two challenges and can keep them if they’re successful
– Challenges can only be initiated by a pitcher, catcher, or… pic.twitter.com/xHkRIbHrRx
— MLB (@MLB) September 23, 2025
Challenges can only be initiated by the batter, catcher, or pitcher and must happen immediately after the pitch. No input from the dugout is allowed, and the player must signal the challenge by tapping his helmet or hat.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said the format was selected based on strong player preference, which leaned toward keeping the human element of the game intact while still correcting egregious mistakes.
“The strong preference from players for the Challenge format over using the technology to call every pitch was a key factor in determining the system we are announcing today,” Manfred said.
The technology will use high-speed cameras stationed around the ballpark, with pitch locations rendered in real time on stadium scoreboards. The system is powered by the T-Mobile 5G network, and the result of each challenge will be shown almost instantly.
T-Mobile’s Mike Katz said the move showcases how technology can enhance the sport without taking away from the core tradition.
“It’s a powerful example of how we’re using our technology to help MLB innovate, while preserving the character of the game we love.”
The rollout comes after years of debates over strike zone consistency and high-profile blown calls in key moments. With the new system, MLB is hoping to strike a balance between modern accuracy and old-school charm — a way to fix the worst mistakes without turning the entire game over to machines.