MLB to test robot umpires as part of challenge system at next Spring training, plans use in 2026 regular seasonMajor League Baseball (MLB) will test the use of robot umpires as part of a challenge system during Spring training next year, with the aim of implementing the system in the 2026 regular season. “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 on Wednesday at the league’s owners meetings. Although Manfred admitted that he “would be interested” in bringing in the ABS challenge system for the 2026 regular season, the commissioner added that the players’ experience with it will go a long way in deciding when it will be implemented. The ABS technology has been trialed in minor league baseball for years now. The ABS technology uses Hawk-Eye cameras to track the location of each pitch in relation to the strike zone.

Source: CNN November 21, 2024 11:21 UTC