MLB Considers Replay Review Expansion for 2026

It looks like Major League Baseball (MLB) is gearing up to enhance its replay review system as early as next year.

Rob Manfred announced on Tuesday that he intends to propose the addition of the automatic ball-strike system (ABS) for the 2026 season. This move was reported by MLB Headquarters.

The proposal will be presented to an 11-member competition committee, and sources suggest that there may be enough support to pass it, hinting that the league office has the necessary votes to move forward.

The ABS has been undergoing testing since 2019, first making its appearance in the independent Atlantic League before being implemented in associated minor leagues in 2022.

In both 2023 and 2024, Triple-A baseball fully utilized this system, where all pitches were called by an automated strike zone.

This spring, a new challenge system was introduced, allowing players—batters, pitchers, or catchers—to contest certain pitches, with each team receiving two challenges per game.

The strike zone is established through the Hawkeye tracking system, which adjusts based on the height of the batter.

“I think people are generally positive about ABS,” Manfred remarked. “I have this unscientific method of gauging feedback – my email traffic – and it seems that using ABS during spring training has led to more complaints about ball and strike calls via email.”

He also mentioned his desire to develop a system that players find “acceptable,” noting that testing check-swing challenges in training next spring is unlikely.

MLB first introduced replay review late in the 2008 season, initially focusing on home run calls. The league made significant expansions in 2014, adding reviews for fair/foul calls, boundary decisions, and safe/out calls.

The strike zone continues to be seen as the next significant area for improvement, and after the recent spring testing, many fans and critics are looking forward to potential changes.

A controversial moment occurred during this past weekend’s games concerning a missed call involving a strike.

On Sunday, Taylor’s reaction led to his ejection after disagreeing with a strike called by Judge Nicklenz at home plate, where he tapped his helmet and seemingly indicated a challenge.

In response, Lentz reportedly said, “You’re not going to do that, you’re not going to tap on the helmet,” suggesting that the players felt it was disrespectful. Walls shared his thoughts on the situation post-game.