MLB approves Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system challenges for 2026

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Major League Baseball (MLB) is finally taking steps toward eliminating human error and holding umpires accountable, announcing Tuesday that it will institute an Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system for the 2026 season. Each team will get two challenges, which must be requested immediately after a pitch. The challenger must tap his hat or helmet to alert the umpire, and help from the dugout or any other outfield player is prohibited. In extra innings, each team will have one challenge if it has used up its previous two. The ball-strike call will then either be confirmed or overturned, providing a seconds-long interruption.