Starting in 2026, human plate umpires will still make the initial ball and strike calls, but pitchers, catchers, or batters can challenge two calls per game. If a challenge is correct, the team keeps it, and in extra innings, teams will earn an extra challenge each inning.
Players will signal challenges by tapping their helmet or cap, and the review will be shown as digital graphics on outfield videoboards.
Why MLB is Making the Change
Robot umps are expected to cut down on ejections — last season, 61.5% of all ejections were tied to ball and strike disputes. Commissioner Rob Manfred said players’ strong preference for the challenge format, instead of full automation, drove the decision.
This will be MLB’s first major rule change since the 2024 season, which introduced the pitch clock, shift restrictions, and larger bases.
Players and Managers React
New York Yankees outfielder Austin Slater, a player rep on MLB’s competition committee, said most players backed the plan, noting that technology isn’t flawless but no worse than umpires’ 94% accuracy rate.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who’s led the American League in ejections five years running, admitted he’s not fully sold but called the move “inevitable.” Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt agreed, saying, “It’s going to change the game forever.”
The Road to the Majors
ABS has been tested in the minors since 2019, including full automation, hybrid formats, and the current challenge system. At Triple-A this year, teams averaged 4.2 challenges per game with a 49.5% success rate.
The system relies on Hawk-Eye cameras and has experimented with different strike zone shapes, though it now defines the zone strictly by where the ball crosses the midpoint of the plate.
