MLB Brings in Automated Ball/Strike System, But Human Umpires Still Key

New technology aims to improve consistency, but managers say emotion and strategy remain vital

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Major League Baseball is implementing an Automated Ball/Strike (ABS) system in 2026 to assist umpires in calling balls and strikes. While the new technology is expected to improve consistency, managers say the human element and strategy around challenging calls will still be crucial. Teams will have a limited number of challenges per game, and catchers are likely to play a key role in deciding when to use them.

Why it matters

The ABS system represents a major technological advancement in baseball, aiming to reduce human error and provide more consistent strike zone calls. However, managers emphasize that the human element, strategy, and emotion of the game will still be important factors even with the new technology.

The details

The ABS system uses cameras to track each pitch and determine if it crossed the home plate within the batter's strike zone. Umpires will still call every pitch, but each team will have a limited number of challenges they can use to review close calls. Teams that successfully challenge a call retain their challenge, while unsuccessful challenges result in the loss of a challenge. Managers say developing a coherent team strategy on when to use challenges will be crucial, and they expect catchers to play a key role in deciding which calls to challenge.

  • The ABS system made its debut in MLB spring training games in 2025.
  • The ABS system will be implemented for regular season games starting in the 2026 season.

The players

Warren Schaeffer

Colorado Rockies manager who has experience with the ABS system from when it was tested in Triple-A in 2022.

Joe Martinez

MLB's vice president of on-field strategy, who presented information about the ABS system at Cactus League Media Day.

Torey Lovullo

Arizona Diamondbacks manager, who discussed strategies for using the ABS challenge system.

Aaron Boone

New York Yankees manager, who said the ABS system could particularly benefit hitters like Aaron Judge who have a good eye for the strike zone.

Chris Young

Texas Rangers president of baseball operations, who previously worked closely with MLB umpires and believes the ABS system will be a positive for the game.

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What they’re saying

“I've seen challenges lost in the first inning. That's not good. Emotion is a big key to this.”

— Warren Schaeffer, Colorado Rockies manager (wisn.com)

“You want to have one late in the game, just in case. The top of the first inning on a 0-0 fastball ... I don't want to challenge and lose. We'll most likely rely on catchers first — pitchers at times get a little emotional. Hitters can be that way sometimes, too. I think we're going to rely on the catchers and start there.”

— Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks manager (wisn.com)

“Our guys who are really good at controlling the zone should benefit and Aaron is certainly one of those guys who controls it real well, knows it real well.”

— Aaron Boone, New York Yankees manager (wisn.com)

What’s next

MLB plans to have all 30 stadiums outfitted with the ABS system in time for the 2026 regular season.

The takeaway

The implementation of the Automated Ball/Strike system in MLB represents a significant technological advancement, but managers emphasize that the human element, strategy, and emotion of the game will still be crucial factors even with the new technology. Teams will need to develop coherent challenge strategies, with catchers likely playing a key role in deciding which calls to contest.