US EditionMLB Approves Challenge-Based Automated Ball-Strike System for 2026
The system aims to improve call accuracy and reduce disputes with teams winning 52.2% of ball-strike challenges during testing, marking a major rule change for MLB.
- Robot umpires will be used in Major League Baseball starting in 2026, after the Joint Competition Committee approved the Automated Ball-Strike system on September 23, 2025.
- Teams can challenge two calls per game, retaining challenges if successful, and must tap their helmet to signal a challenge.
- A poll found that 63.4% of 134 players were against the Automated Ball-Strike system, reflecting player concerns despite the committee's approval.
- The new challenge system aims to reduce ejections related to calls, given that 61.5% of ejections last year were due to balls and strikes.
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282 Articles
Daily Bulletin
Angels look forward to pitch challenge system in 2026
ANAHEIM — It is no surprise that Taylor Ward is in favor of the change to the way balls and strikes will be called next season. Ward has had 62 pitches outside the zone called strikes against him this season, which is the second most in the majors, according to Major League Baseball data. The next highest on the Angels is Jo Adell, at 44. “I’m all in for it,” Ward said. MLB announced on Tuesday that next season they will install the Automated Ba…
MLB Officially Announces ABS Pitch Challenge System Coming For 2026 Season
It's long been rumored that Major League Baseball would bring the automated ball and strike system to the highest level of professional baseball after years of testing in the minor leagues. And on Tuesday, the league announced that the biggest change to umpiring in MLB is officially on its way. Robo umps will be in effect to start the 2026 regular season, providing an opportunity for players to challenge some of the most egregious missed calls b…
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