Robot Umps Coming to MLB in 2026 | JQJO

Major League Baseball will introduce the Automated Ball/Strike System (ABS) in 2026. Human umpires will remain, but teams can challenge two calls per game, with additional appeals in extra innings. The system, tested extensively in the minors, uses Hawk-Eye cameras and aims to reduce ejections stemming from ball/strike disputes. While some players expressed reservations about accuracy, the challenge system was favored to preserve the human element of the game, particularly pitch framing. The decision follows widespread testing and positive feedback from several teams and managers.