It’s been rumored for some time and tested in the minor leagues, the Arizona Fall League and this year’s Spring Training.

I’m talking, of course, about the automated ball-and-strike challenge system.

Tuesday, MLB’s Competition Committee, which consists of six owners, four players and one umpire, approved the ABS system for use in major league games in 2026.

Here’s how it will work, per the league. • The ABS Challenge System runs on a 5G private network from T-Mobile for Business’ Advanced Network Solutions. Twelve (12) Hawk-Eye cameras set up around the perimeter of the field track the location of each pitch. If a pitcher, catcher, or batter disagrees with the umpire’s initial call of ball or strike, he can request a challenge by immediately tapping on his hat or helmet and vocalizing

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