Robot umpires are set to make their debut in the major leagues next season. The 11-person competition committee of Major League Baseball recently approved the implementation of the Automated Ball/Strike System for the 2026 season.
Although human plate umpires will continue to make calls on balls and strikes, teams will now have the opportunity to challenge two calls per game, with the option for additional appeals in extra innings. Challenges can be initiated by the pitcher, catcher, or batter by tapping their helmet or cap. If a challenge is successful, the team retains its right to challenge. The results of reviews will be displayed as digital graphics on outfield videoboards.
New York Yankees outfielder Austin Slater, a member of the competition committee, revealed that three members voted in favor of the system after garnering support from 22 out of the 30 teams. All six management representatives also voted in favor of the implementation.
Slater acknowledged that while technology may not guarantee 100% accuracy, similar to human umpires, it is crucial to acknowledge the impact that technology will have on the game. He emphasized the need to accept potential errors associated with the system, even if they are minimal.
Statistics indicate that approximately 94% of pitches are correctly called by current big league umpires. The introduction of robot umpires is expected to reduce the number of ejections, as a significant percentage of ejections among players, managers, and coaches are related to disputes over balls and strikes.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who leads the American League in ejections, acknowledged that the adoption of robot umpires was inevitable. He expressed optimism about the change, highlighting the success of previous modifications made by Major League Baseball.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt emphasized that players will need to adapt to the new system, noting that regardless of personal preferences, the introduction of robot umpires will permanently alter the game.
The Automated Ball/Strike System, which utilizes Hawk-Eye cameras, has been tested in minor leagues since 2019. The system has undergone various trials and adjustments, with successful implementation in different levels of professional baseball leading up to its debut in the major leagues.
Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the collaborative effort in deploying the system in a player-friendly manner. The decision to adopt a challenge format over fully automated pitch calling was influenced by player feedback, ensuring a balance between technology and traditional aspects of the game.
This upcoming change marks MLB’s first significant rule adjustment since the comprehensive modifications implemented in 2024. The challenge system aims to integrate the Automated Ball/Strike System while preserving elements like pitch framing, a skill crucial for catchers in manipulating borderline pitches.
Aside from Slater, other players on the competition committee include Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Cal Raleigh, Ian Happ, and Casey Mize, with umpire representative Bill Miller playing a key role in the decision-making process.
