Major League Baseball has announced the implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike System , commonly referred to as "robot umpires," starting in the 2026 season. This decision follows approval by the MLB Joint Competition Committee, which comprises team owners, players, and an umpire. The ABS will not fully replace human umpires but will allow teams to challenge ball and strike calls up to two times per game, with additional challenges available in extra innings.

The ABS utilizes Hawk-Eye technology to define the strike zone based on a vertical point at the plate relative to batter height. During testing phases in minor leagues and spring training, players favored the challenge format, as it preserved the game's human elements, such as pitch framing. Challenges must be initiated by players and will be reviewed using digital graphics on stadium videoboards.

The decision to implement the ABS system comes after extensive testing in the minor leagues and spring training, where the challenge format was favored by players for retaining the game's human elements, like pitch framing. Players and managers have expressed mixed feelings about the change, but most acknowledge the system’s potential to improve call accuracy and reduce contentious ejections.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged strong player preference for this format and credited collaboration with the umpires' union. The system has been in testing since 2022 in minor leagues, and during 2025 spring training and the All-Star Game. Of 288 ABS challenges reviewed, 52.2% were overturned, with catchers having the highest success rate. On average, each challenge lasted 13 seconds.

This move marks MLB’s latest major rule innovation following its 2024 overhaul, which included the pitch clock and defensive shift restrictions. The introduction of the ABS system is expected to enhance the accuracy of ball and strike calls, leading to a more consistent and fair game for players and fans alike.