I, for one, welcome our new robot umpires.

[bukie]

ABS for all MLB for 2026: https://www.mlb.com/news/abs-challenge-system-mlb-2026

Details:

• Each team will get two challenges and can keep them if they're successful.
• Challenges can only be initiated by a pitcher, catcher, or batter, and the request must come right after the pitch.
• To signal a challenge, the player will tap his hat or helmet to let the umpire know
• No help from the dugout or other field players is allowed
• In each extra inning, a team will be awarded a challenge if it has none remaining entering the inning.

[Bertz]

Unconfirmed I believe but sounds like broadcasts will have to nix K-Zone as part of this to avoid potential shenanigans

[Transmogrified Tiger]

2 hours ago, Bertz said:

Unconfirmed I believe but sounds like broadcasts will have to nix K-Zone as part of this to avoid potential shenanigans

Almost as positive a development as the challenge system itself

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I hate that with the technology that it has to be a challenge system.

[Derwood]

50 minutes ago, Ding Dong Johnson said:

I hate that with the technology that it has to be a challenge system.

Capitulation to the umpire's union, I'm sure

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

5 hours ago, Bertz said:

Unconfirmed I believe but sounds like broadcasts will have to nix K-Zone as part of this to avoid potential shenanigans

The rules are you have to challenge immediatley after the pitch, not sure how there would be time for any shenanigans.

[bukie]

On 9/23/2025 at 6:55 PM, Ding Dong Johnson said:

I hate that with the technology that it has to be a challenge system.

Baby steps. Eventually everyone will realize how silly it is to not just use the ABS call.

[Rob]

As a curmudgeon, I don't care for this.

[Andy]

42 minutes ago, Rob said:

As a curmudgeon, I don't care for this.

I'm kind of there too. I can already see myself getting 5 times angrier about a Cub being rung up on ABS in a key spot on a pitch a human ump probably wouldn't have called than I will be relieved if it works out the other way.

[Thusly Boned]

I also hate that it has to be a challenge system; it should be full ABS or keep it as it is. 

But the minute the K zone became a thing this almost had to happen. And I'd much rather things actually be consistently fair/accurate than to live and die on human error.

 

[Irrelevant Dude]

I also hate challenge systems, but if this is a stepping stone to an inevitable fully automated strike zone, I'm all for that.  I can live with a few seasons of challenges until everyone is comfortable implementing the system across the board.