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NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 18, 2026United States

MLB Bans AI-Powered Strategy Tools on Dugout iPads

Major League Baseball has restricted the use of custom software on dugout iPads to prevent teams from using artificial intelligence to assist with in-game decisions like pitch calling and substitutions. The league implemented the change starting in the second half of the season following reports that some teams were using expensive AI programs to gain a competitive edge.

Major League BaseballArtificial IntelligenceSports TechnologyRegulation
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Why It Matters

This policy change limits the types of technology teams can use during games, ensuring that in-game strategic decisions remain the responsibility of human players and coaches rather than automated software.

Key Facts

  • MLB has disabled the 'custom tab' feature on dugout iPads to prevent the use of AI for in-game decision-making.
  • The restriction took effect at the start of the second half of the 2024 season.
  • Prohibited uses include AI-generated recommendations for substitutions, pitch calling, and other strategic in-game decisions.
  • The league's competition committee conducted a review and found that clubs were generally compliant with existing regulations.
  • The use of iPads in dugouts was originally piloted in late 2015 and expanded in 2016.
  • Video access on dugout tablets was removed in 2020 following the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal and reinstated in 2021.

Who's Mentioned

personSteve Cohen“Owner of the New York Mets, cited as having invested in the AI software.”personMorgan Sword“MLB executive vice president of baseball operations who issued the memo regardin”personAaron Judge“Yankees captain who commented on the use of AI in baseball.”personAdam Ottavino“Former Mets reliever who publicly stated that the New York Mets were using AI so”personTorey Lovullo“Arizona Diamondbacks manager who commented on the role of AI in sports.”organizationMajor League Baseball“The governing body that implemented the restriction on dugout technology.”organizationNew York Mets“The team identified as a primary user of the AI software that prompted the leagu”personJohn Schneider“Toronto Blue Jays manager who commented on the impact of real-time technology.”