Nobody’s perfect, and umpires are human and make mistakes. But MLB hitters and pitchers have had to live with those mistakes behind the plate. Until 2026.

Starting next year, MLB will implement an Automated Ball Strike Challenge system after testing it out in the minors since 2019. The system was also used in MLB spring training games this year and at the All-Star Game.

Balls and strikes will still be called by a human umpire behind the plate. But a pitcher, catcher, or hitter (not the manager!) can challenge the ruling on a pitch by tapping his hat or helmet. Each team will be given two challenges during the first nine innings, with one challenge in each extra inning. The home plate umpire will announce the challenge, and the replay will be displayed on the ballpark video board. It shou

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