Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner Rob Manfred announced plans to propose the automated ball-strike system (ABS) for implementation in 2026, with enough committee support to advance the proposal. ABS will retain human umpires for calls, allowing teams to challenge decisions, with successful challenges being retained. The system was previously tested in spring training and minor leagues, and MLB can enact rule changes within 45 days of a proposal, as agreed in their collective bargaining agreement, which expires after the 2026 season.
