MLB rule changes for the 2026 season explained

Major League Baseball will introduce several rule changes for the 2026 season, led by the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System that brings computer review to pitch calls while preserving the home-plate umpire’s primary role. Adapted from the minor leagues where it has been tested since 2022, ABS gives each team two challenges to confirm or overturn a subjective strike call; a successful challenge does not count against that total.

Only the batter, pitcher or catcher may signal a challenge, which must be made immediately after the umpire’s call—typically by a tap on the batting helmet within approximately two seconds—or at the immediate conclusion of a play that unfolds from the pitch. For extra-inning games a team may carry one unused challenge into the 10th, and if that challenge is used the team receives a single additional challenge for each extra inning thereafter.

Another change tightens base coach positioning.

abs, ball-strike, challenge system, pitch calls, home-plate, two challenges, batting helmet, minor leagues, extra-inning, base coaches