Full Breakdown
Mets’ AI Use Sparks Mid-Season MLB Dugout iPad Crackdown
7/19/2026, 12:51:34 PM
Core Event
During the second half of the 2026 season, Major League Baseball (MLB) disabled the custom-tab feature on league-issued dugout iPads, citing “use beyond their originally intended purpose” for pitch-calling and other in-game decisions. The move followed reports that the New York Mets had employed a costly generative-AI program to recommend pitches from the dugout. Interim manager Andy Green affirmed the club’s compliance with MLB’s rules, while former Mets reliever Adam Ottavino publicly described the AI system as “very expensive” and claimed the Mets were the primary team targeted by the crackdown.
Background & Context
MLB introduced iPads to clubhouses in 2016, initially restricting them to approved video and Statcast data. After the 2020 sign-stealing scandals, usage remained tightly controlled. On March 21, MLB permitted players to view in-game video on iPads, but limited access to league-provided apps and barred internet browsing. Teams later gained the ability to add a “Custom Tab,” which some exploited for AI-driven pitch-calling. By mid-season, MLB determined that the custom tab enabled recommendations on substitutions and pitch selection, prompting the June 11 memo from executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword.
Key Figures & Groups
- Andy Green – Interim manager of the New York Mets.
- Adam Ottavino – Former Mets reliever, now a broadcaster, who disclosed the AI program on his “Baseball & Coffee” YouTube livestream.
- Steve Cohen – Mets owner alleged to have funded the AI software.
- Morgan Sword – MLB executive vice president of baseball operations, author of the June 11 memo.
- Torey Lovullo – Arizona Diamondbacks manager commenting on AI’s broader impact.
- Jack Lambert – Director of baseball operations at Driveline Baseball, providing technical perspective.
Timeline
- March 21, 2026 – MLB allows in-game video access on dugout iPads.
- June 11, 2026 – Sword’s memo warns that custom tabs are being used for AI-driven pitch recommendations.
- Mid-June 2026 – At the start of the second half, MLB disables the custom tab for all teams.
- July 17, 2026 – The Athletic reports MLB’s discovery of AI usage across several clubs.
- Saturday before the Phillies game, 2026 – Green reiterates Mets’ compliance in a pre-game press briefing.
Data & Statistics
- Mets record: 41-57 overall, 7-10 under Green.
- SportsKeeda cites that one-third of the teams installed custom apps for AI use.
- Ottavino claimed the Mets spent “a hundred thousand dollars” on the AI software; another source noted “several hundred thousand dollars.”
Why It Matters
The crackdown highlights MLB’s effort to preserve competitive integrity while navigating emerging technologies. If AI can influence pitch selection in real time, it may reshape traditional coaching roles and raise questions about the line between analytics support and on-field decision-making.
Official Statements & Responses
- “Whatever the rules are, we remain fully compliant and Major League Baseball makes those determinations.” — Andy Green, interim manager, New York Mets.
- “In many cases, the custom tab had expanded the use of the dugout iPads beyond their originally intended purpose to include recommendations regarding substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by players and coaches,” — Morgan Sword, MLB executive vice president of baseball operations (June 11 memo).
- “It hasn’t impacted us at all, but I know AI is entering our arena for sure.” — Torey Lovullo, Arizona manager.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans reacted sharply on social media, mocking the Mets’ reliance on AI. A front-office executive warned, “Gotta stop the cheating before there’s cheating now,” emphasizing concerns that AI could constitute a new form of cheating.
On-the-Ground Reports
Ottavino detailed the AI program during his “Baseball & Coffee” livestream, describing it as “very expensive” and noting that coaches from other clubs were also discussing similar tools.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cost of the AI program: Ottavino cited “a hundred thousand dollars,” while another account mentioned “several hundred thousand dollars.”
- Scope of usage: SportsKeeda reports roughly one-third of teams used AI, whereas the Athletic’s July 17 story suggests the Mets were the primary target of MLB’s enforcement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Whatever the rules are, we remain fully compliant and Major League Baseball makes those determinations.” — Andy Green, interim manager, New York Mets
- “The Mets were actually the team, the main team, that got cracked down on,” — Adam Ottavino, former reliever, former Mets player
- “beyond their originally intended purpose to include recommendations regarding substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by players and coaches.” — Morgan Sword, MLB executive vice president of baseball operations
- “It hasn’t impacted us at all, but I know AI is entering our arena for sure,” — Torey Lovullo, Arizona manager
- “With someone live-scoring the game, teams could chart pitch type and location to get dynamically updating game plans,” — Jack Lambert, director of baseball operations, Driveline Baseball
What’s Next
MLB will continue reviewing content uploaded to dugout iPads and enforce the ban on AI-driven in-game tools for the remainder of the season. No further policy changes have been announced.
