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MLB to Implement Automated Ball-Strike System in 2026

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Major League Baseball (MLB) will deploy the Automated Ball-Strike System in 2026, starting with the New York Yankees' opener and using 12 Hawk-Eye cameras.
Former umpire Richie Garcia warned the system could undermine human umpires' authority.
Current umpires acknowledge the pressure to be accurate.
Sam Holbrook (MLB umpire) says perfection is hard amid scrutiny.
Spring training results show Philadelphia leading at 61%, and batters won 46% while defenses won 60%.

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Story summary

Major League Baseball (MLB) will deploy the Automated Ball-Strike System in 2026, starting with the New York Yankees' opener and using 12 Hawk-Eye cameras.
Former umpire Richie Garcia warned the system could undermine human umpires' authority.
Current umpires acknowledge the pressure to be accurate.
Sam Holbrook (MLB umpire) says perfection is hard amid scrutiny.
Spring training results show Philadelphia leading at 61%, and batters won 46% while defenses won 60%.