the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY, Major League Baseball is officially bringing in robot umpires for the 2026 season. After years of testing in the minor leagues, MLB’s competition committee has approved the use of the Automated Ball/Strike System (ABS). But don’t expect a complete takeover; the new system is a “challenge system” that adds a fascinating twist to the game.
Ready to see how it all works? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
How Does the ABS Challenge System Work?
Instead of a computer calling every single pitch, the new system keeps human umpires in charge. The umpire will still make the initial “ball” or “strike” call, but teams can now challenge it.
- Teams get two challenges per game. If a team wins a challenge, they get to keep it.
- A successful challenge results in the on-field umpire’s call being overturned by the computer.
- Only a batter, pitcher, or catcher can initiate a challenge by tapping their helmet or hat.
- The technology is fast. The process is estimated to take only about 17 seconds, and the pitch and strike zone graphic will be shown on the stadium scoreboard and broadcast.
The Technology Behind the Calls
The ABS system uses a Hawk-Eye pose-tracking system with cameras that track each pitch and determine if it entered the strike zone. The strike zone itself is a rectangle, as defined in the rulebook, not the oval-shaped zone umpires often call. The zone is calibrated to each batter’s height, measured before the game begins.
This technology has been in development for years. It was tested in the independent Atlantic League in 2019, at the Arizona Fall League, and has been in use at the Triple-A level since 2022. During this year’s MLB spring training, teams won over 50% of their challenges, showing just how often these plays are debatable.
Why the Change?
For years, fans and players have debated the consistency of the strike zone. While big league umpires are incredibly accurate (calling about 94% of pitches correctly), the new challenge system aims to eliminate controversial calls in high-stakes situations.
The data from minor league testing shows that batters and catchers are getting smarter about when to challenge. The challenge rate is higher in late innings and on key pitches, such as full counts. This suggests that the system will be used tactically to ensure crucial calls are correct, adding a new layer of strategy to the game.
This new era of baseball will blend human judgment with technological precision, creating a more transparent and fair experience for players and fans alike.
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