Robot umpire challenge system could be tested next spring training, 2026 regular season use possible

Major League Baseball could test the use of robot umpires as part of a challenge system in spring training next year, which could lead to regular-season use in 2026. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday the sport has made “material progress” during testing at Triple-A, the highest minor league level. Speaking to the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, Manfred said a spring training test would be needed a year before the system is adopted at the big league level.