MLB to test robot umpires as part of challenge system at next Spring training, plans use in 2026 regular season

Major League Baseball (MLB) is set to trial a robot umpire system next Spring training, introducing the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system to give players a chance to experience the technology before its potential implementation in the 2026 regular season. The league will test the ABS system at 13 ballparks across 19 teams in 2025, aiming to refine the system and gather feedback from players.

The announcement was made by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who explained that the goal is for players to get familiar with the technology during Spring training. “I think we will have a Spring training ABS test that will provide a meaningful opportunity for all Major League players to see what the challenge system will look like,” Manfred said during the league’s owners meetings on Wednesday. The test will not take place in every ballpark, but there are plans to ensure each team has exposure to the system, offering players a chance to evaluate how it functions.

One key element of the ABS system is that it will not fully replace human umpires, but will rather work alongside them. Human umpires will still be responsible for calling balls and strikes, but teams will have the option to challenge a call using the new system. Each team will have a limited number of challenges, and if the challenge is successful, the team retains that challenge. This challenge mechanism is intended to provide a balance between technology and traditional officiating, allowing for accurate calls while preserving the human element in the game.

The ABS system uses Hawk-Eye technology, the same system used in tennis and other sports to track the location of the ball in real-time. In the case of baseball, the Hawk-Eye cameras will track the trajectory of each pitch to determine whether it falls within the strike zone. This real-time tracking will provide accurate data to support or overturn the umpire’s initial call.

This initiative is part of MLB’s ongoing efforts to incorporate more technology into the game to improve accuracy and enhance the fan experience. However, it also brings up challenges related to the role of umpires in the sport, and the league is in ongoing discussions with the Umpires Association as part of the collective bargaining process. Manfred noted that their collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on December 1 this year, which will require further negotiations to address the integration of the ABS system into the broader framework of the sport.

Despite the excitement around the new technology, Manfred emphasized that the timing of its full implementation will depend on feedback from both the players and the teams. “It depends on how the test goes,” Manfred said. “From my perspective, there are two sides to that test: it’s what do clubs think about it and what do the players think about it?” He added that the success of the test would play a critical role in determining when the ABS system could be rolled out for the regular season.

The ABS technology has already been tested in minor league baseball since 2022, specifically in Triple-A, and has been used in the MLB All-Star Futures Game for the past two years. This trial period has provided valuable insights into how the system performs in real-world conditions, helping to shape its development and potential adoption at the major league level.

If the system proves successful in the trials, it could mark a significant shift in how baseball is officiated, making the game more technologically advanced and potentially reducing human error in ball-and-strike calls. However, it also presents questions about the balance between embracing technology and preserving the traditional aspects of the game, especially the role of umpires.

Overall, the MLB is taking a cautious approach to the adoption of the ABS challenge system, ensuring that it is tested thoroughly in a variety of settings before making a final decision. While the league has set its sights on a 2026 rollout for the system, the results of the upcoming Spring training trials will be crucial in determining whether it is ready for the big leagues.