MLB adopts Automated Ball-Strike System for 2026 season

Major League Baseball’s Joint Competition Committee voted Tuesday to adopt the Automated Ball-Strike System for use in the major leagues beginning with the 2026 season, clearing the way for teams to challenge balls and strikes during regular season, spring training and post-season games. The 11-member committee, made up of six owners, four players and one umpire, approved the challenge format after years of testing in independent circuits and the minor leagues.

Under the system announced by the league, human umpires will continue to make every initial call, and each team will begin games with two challenges to appeal ball or strike rulings. A team retains a challenge if it is successful and is awarded an additional challenge in extra innings if it has no remaining ones. Only the pitcher, catcher or batter may initiate a challenge immediately after the pitch by tapping a helmet or cap; input from the dugout or other players is not permitted. The outcome is displayed on the stadium scoreboard and broadcast, and the home plate umpire then announces the updated count.

The technology powering ABS uses a network of HawkEye cameras positioned around the field to track each pitch and...