Overview

• Major League Baseball will implement the automatic ball-strike (ABS) challenge system at the July 15 All-Star Game in Atlanta with two immediate reviews per team activated by a hat or helmet tap.
• The ABS system relies on Hawk-Eye cameras and T-Mobile’s 5G network to deliver real-time pitch-tracking and strike-zone assessments to home-plate umpires.
• Teams retain unused challenges if reviews overturn the call and receive animated replays on the stadium scoreboard to confirm decisions.
• Spring training fan polls showed that 72% viewed ABS positively and 69% backed its integration into regular-season play.
• MLB’s Competition Committee will meet later this summer to decide whether to roll out the challenge system for the 2026 regular season.