MLB to Test Robot Umpire Challenge System in Next Spring Training, 2026 Regular Season

Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that it could start testing robot umpires for the challenge system in the next spring training.

The initial test during training could eventually lead to a full adaptation into regular-season use in 2026.

MLB Experiments Automated Systems for Improved Accuracy

MLB has been exploring the automated ball-strike system (ABS) in the minor leagues since 2019. However, the technology is still under work on the shape of the striking zone.

Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred shared that ABS would not be introduced to the big leagues without undergoing a spring training test. "OK, so if it's '24 that leaves me '25 as the year to do your spring training test if we can get these issues resolved, which would make '26 a viable possibility."

Manfred also announced that the league has made "material progress." He also believes that technology is almost good to go for testing.

MLB Admits Technical Issues on ABS Strike Zone

The ABS is currently used to call strikes based on where the ball crosses the midpoint of the plate. Manfred also revealed that there are still ongoing technical issues with setting the definition of the strike zone for the ABS.

The first three games for the final three during the first 2 ½ months of the Triple-A season used the robot along with a human umpire for the challenge system. Last June, the league changed to an all-challenge system where the majority of the calls were made by a human umpire.

Players' Association head Tony Clark said that there are still mixed perceptions of the ABS. Some have either no interest or are too focused on how consistent the technology is going to be due to its power reliance.