MLB will allow players to challenge balls and strikes starting in 2026
Summary
Starting in 2026, Major League Baseball (MLB) will let players challenge the umpire's decisions on balls and strikes during games. The challenges use an automated system called ABS, which uses cameras to help determine if the umpire's call was correct. Each team will have two chances to challenge per game, keeping a challenge if the call is overturned.Key Facts
- MLB will allow players to challenge balls and strikes starting in the 2026 season.
- This rule applies to both regular and postseason games.
- The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system uses 12 cameras in each stadium to help make the calls.
- Only batters, pitchers, and catchers can challenge calls, and they do so by tapping their head right after the call.
- Each team starts with two challenges per game; if a challenge is successful, the team keeps it.
- The system was successfully tested in the minor leagues and during spring training and the All-Star Game in 2025.
- Most challenges add about 14 seconds to the game time.
- MLB players, including some who were initially against ABS, have become supportive of the system.
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