Rule Changes for the 2026 MLB Season

The 2026 MLB season is a colossal year for the sport, primarily because “robot umpires” are finally making their big-league debut—albeit not without human umpires, who will still be playing a major role. This process will take place through a challenge system that has been in the minor leagues since 2022. But there are also other changes that, while subtle, could impact the game significantly. Those changes also need to be brought to light

Here are the key rule changes you need to know for the upcoming season:

1. The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System

This is the most significant change. Instead of a fully automated strike zone where a computer calls every pitch, MLB is using a Challenge System to keep the “human element” while correcting clear errors. The fully automated ABS system was first attempted in 2019 in the independent Atlantic League, but by 2022 the current challenge system was already being implemented by some ballparks.

• How it works: The home plate umpire still calls balls and strikes. However, the pitcher, catcher, or batter can challenge a call by immediately tapping their hat or helmet.
• The Count: Each team starts with two challenges per game. If a challenge is successful (the call is overturned), the team keeps that challenge.
• The Timing: Challenges must be made within two seconds of the umpire’s call. Players cannot look to the dugout for guidance; it must be an immediate reaction.
• Extra Innings: If a team enters extra innings with no challenges left, they are granted one additional challenge for each extra inning (these do not accumulate).
• The Strike Zone: It is a two-dimensional rectangle at the midpoint of home plate. The width is 17 inches, while the top and bottom are customized to each batter’s height (top at 53.5% and bottom at 27% of their measured height).

This change is not only going to affect players, but fans viewing from the comfort of their homes as well. Particularly those who’ve become accustomed to the onscreen strike zone displays. Accompanying the ABS system will be the complete absence of a ball/strike indicator during broadcasts.

2. Base Coach Box Enforcement

In the 2025 World Series, MLB became more proactive in regard to base coach box enforcement. For the 2026 season it will be monitored on a fulltime basis.

Umpires have been instructed to be much stricter about the coaches’ boxes at first and third base. Coaches must remain within the lines of the box while the pitcher is on the rubber. This is intended to prevent coaches from creeping toward home plate to steal signs or get better angles on the pitcher’s grip. The box technically has only three lines. If the coach has safety concerns, he can retreat closer to the dugout without being penalized. Violations result in a warning, and subsequent infractions can lead to ejection.

3. Intentional Obstruction Guidance

There is new guidance regarding obstruction calls. A baserunner is now prohibited from initiating contact with a fielder with the specific intent to draw an obstruction call. If an umpire determines a runner went out of their way to bump a fielder who didn’t have the ball, the runner will be ruled out for unsportsmanlike conduct. Meanwhile, all other runners must return to the base they last touched.

4. Pace-of-Play Tweaks

Building on the success of the pitch clock, the league has introduced minor adjustments to keep games moving:

• Shorter Pitch Clock: A slightly reduced clock for situations where runners are on base.
• Tighter “Ready” Rules: Faster enforcement of the rule requiring batters to be in the box and alert to the pitcher by the 8-second mark.
• Inning Resets: Shorter breaks between half-innings to reduce overall game time.

With these changes, spring training is going to be pretty interesting—especially seeing how players like Chris Sale (who has already said he refuses to use the challenge system) react to the new tech.

Others have proactively approached the rule changes from a technological standpoint.

The Chicago Cubs have recently renovated their facility at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. It is now modernized with a new spring training complex which boasts pose-tracking and biomechanics technology. This allows the examination of players’ mechanics and mental processes. 

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