The MLB is set to put a robotic touch on its officiating for 2026.
The league’s 11-person competition committee approved the use of robotic umpires via the Automated Ball/Strike System in a 9-2 vote on Tuesday.
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Human umpires will still call games, but robots will be used if teams want to challenge up to two calls per game, plus any additional appeals in extra innings.
The MLB had tested the ABS throughout its minor-league system for years until deciding to make the leap for next season. With the move, the MLB joins the NFL and others in utilizing technology to regulate a major part of the game.
The NFL implemented Sony’s Hawk-Eye camera system to measure first downs for the 2025 system, with the traditional first down chains used as a backup.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said players’ preference for the challenge system versus the robotic umpires calling every pitch played a major role in the decision.
“Throughout this process, we have worked on deploying the system in a way that’s acceptable to players,” Manfred said in a statement. “The strong preference from players for the challenge format over using the technology to call every pitch was a key factor in determining the system we are announcing today.”
“I commend the Joint Competition Committee for striking the right balance of preserving the integral role of the umpire in the game with the ability to correct a missed call in a high-leverage situation, all while preserving the pace and rhythm of the game,” he also said.
Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen, who is on the committee, believed the change was inevitable.
“Honestly, I was pretty indifferent. I knew it was looming, just the way the vote is structured. So I tried not to get too one way or the other. I think if you were ask me, I’d probably would have leaned more against it, but I just tried to be open about it, and just kind of fell on indifference,” he added.
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The MLB playoffs take place later this month, with the season concluding in October.
Robotic umpires will make their debut with the season opener in March next year.