Story perspectives

MLB Blocks Generative AI on Team iPads

7/17/2026

Summary

MLB Blocks AI

MLB will install security software on team iPads to block generative AI assistance during games.
Eno Sarris said up to ten teams used generative AI apps for real-time decisions such as pitch selection.
The crackdown, which has frustrated front-office innovators and drawn a “quite a stir” comment from a senior MLB official, will control all iPad activity and follows earlier tech changes like video replay and a pitch clock.

Summary

MLB Bans Custom-Tabs

MLB sent a memo on June 11 ordering clubs to remove custom-tab apps by Wednesday before the second half of the 2026 season.
Teams may still upload pre-game data, but MLB will review custom-tab content and, finding no sign-stealing breaches, imposes no retroactive penalties.
Chris Marinak said iPads were tightened in 2021 after the sign-stealing scandal.
Jack Lambert warned live-scoring on iPads could let clubs adjust pitch-calling and batter approaches in real-time.

History

Historical Context

In January 2020 MLB punished the Houston Astros—fining them $5 million, stripping 2020-21 draft picks and suspending GM Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch—for the 2017-18 electronic sign-stealing scheme uncovered in November 2019. The league’s technology crackdown continued, and a 2026 memo from Commissioner Rob Manfred ordered teams to delete custom AI apps from iPads, echoing the post-scandal effort to curb electronic cheating.

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MLB Blocks AI

MLB will install security software on team iPads to block generative AI assistance during games.
Eno Sarris said up to ten teams used generative AI apps for real-time decisions such as pitch selection.
The crackdown, which has frustrated front-office innovators and drawn a “quite a stir” comment from a senior MLB official, will control all iPad activity and follows earlier tech changes like video replay and a pitch clock.

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