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MLB Bans AI-Driven Apps on League-Issued Dugout iPads

The commissioner's office said custom apps that gave real-time recommendations threatened human-controlled game decisions and competitive integrity.

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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 2 shows Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) looks at an iPad before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
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Overview

  • The league issued a memo on June 11 that restricted third-party software on MLB-issued iPads after finding teams had installed custom apps that supplied recommendations on substitutions, pitch calling and other in-game choices.
  • The prohibition on the custom tab and on using AI to shape in-game strategy went into effect this week as teams returned from the All-Star break, and in-game video will now be available only on a delay.
  • MLB also enforced rules limiting clubhouse and dugout access to prevent real-time data from being fed into the devices.
  • The league’s review found no violations of sign-stealing or electronic-device rules and MLB did not announce any punishments when it imposed the new limits.
  • Front offices focused on analytics say the move frustrates innovation and could shift where teams do live analysis, while the devices themselves date to 2016 and were more tightly governed after 2021 sign-stealing scandals.