Robot umpires will be further tested in spring training and could make their way to regular-season MLB games by 2026.
Major League Baseball will continue experimenting with robot umpires during spring training in 2025, with plans to use the challenge system at 13 ballparks which will host 19 teams.
If successful, the challenge system could make its way to regular-season games by 2026, commissioner Rob Manfred said at an owners meeting this week, via. For the system to be implemented in MLB, an agreement would need to be reached with MLB's Umpires Association after their Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on Dec. 1.
"I would be interested in having it in 2026. We do have a collective bargaining obligation there. That's obviously a term and condition of employment. We're going to have to work through that issue, as well," explained Manfred. The automated umpiring system has been tested in the minor leagues over the past five years, though there's still work to be done in terms of determining a proper strike zone. The system will be evaluated by MLB during spring in order to determine the appropriate next steps towards its implementation.
"There's two sides to that test. It's what the clubs think about it and also what do the players think about it? And we're going to have to sort through both of those," said Manfred.Karl Rasmussen is a staff writer for the Breaking and Trending News team for Sports Illustrated. A University of Oregon alum who joined SI in February 2023, his work has appeared on 12up and ClutchPoints. Rasmussen is a loyal Tottenham, Jets, Yankees and Ducks fan.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Cabinet Picks Offer First 2026 Test for Vulnerable GOP SenatorsSenators must walk a 'tightrope' amid the hearings to confirm Trump's nominees, experts told Newsweek.
Read more »
2026 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Prototype Refines Its Aero Game In Nurburgring TestTrack-focused RS will stick with naturally-aspirated, non-hybrid flat-six power but could make less torque than before
Read more »
MLB will test robot umpires at 13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teamsMLB has been experimenting with the automated ball-strike system in the minor leagues since 2019 but is still working on the shape of the strike zone.
Read more »
MLB will test robot umpires at 13 spring training ballparks in 2025Major League Baseball will test robot umpires as part of a challenge system during spring training, which could lead to regular-season use in 2026.
Read more »
MLB will test robot umpires at 13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teamsMajor League Baseball will test robot umpires as part of a challenge system during spring training at 13 ballparks hosting 19 teams, which could lead to regular-season use in 2026.
Read more »
MLB to test robot umpires at 13 different parks during spring trainingMajor League Baseball will test robot umpires as part of a challenge system during spring training at 13 ballparks hosting 19 teams, which could lead to…
Read more »