MLB Rolls Out 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 that will use cameras to track each pitch and determine if it crossed the strike zone. While the technology is expected to improve consistency, managers say the human element and strategic use of challenges will still be crucial, with catchers likely playing a key role in deciding when to contest calls.

Why it matters

The introduction of ABS represents a major technological change for baseball, which has traditionally relied on human umpires to call balls and strikes. While the new system aims to reduce errors, managers warn that the emotional and strategic aspects of the game could be impacted, making it important for teams to develop coherent challenge strategies.

The details

The ABS system will use cameras to track each pitch and determine if it crossed the strike zone, which varies in size based on the batter's height. Human umpires will still call every pitch, but each team will have the ability to challenge two calls per game, with additional challenges available in extra innings if successful. Only the batter, pitcher or catcher can initiate a challenge, which must be made within two seconds. If a challenge is successful, the umpire will announce the updated count.

  • 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 believes catchers will likely play a key role in deciding when to challenge calls.

Aaron Boone

New York Yankees manager who thinks 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 new technology will help them.

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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

“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

“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

“They do a phenomenal job, but the stuff in today's game is better than ever. Umpiring is harder than ever. If there's the ability to use technology to add a level of consistency, that's great for everybody.”

— Chris Young, Texas Rangers president of baseball operations

What’s next

The ABS system will be implemented for all regular-season MLB games starting in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The introduction of the Automated Ball/Strike system represents a significant technological change for baseball, but managers emphasize that the human element and strategic use of challenges will remain crucial. Teams will need to develop coherent challenge strategies, with catchers likely playing a key role, in order to maximize the benefits of the new system while still preserving the emotional and tactical aspects of the game.