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MLB drops huge AI crackdown on dugout iPads
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Major League Baseball has tightened its dugout technology rules, preventing teams from using iPads as real-time strategic advisers. The updated policy took effect Wednesday, ahead of the season's second half.
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Clubs may still access approved video, Statcast information, and Automated Ball-Strike System data. However, dugout devices can no longer generate recommendations involving substitutions, pitch selection, or other in-game decisions.
MLB issued the memo June 11 and gave teams more than a month to adjust. The league did not fine or suspend any clubs after determining all 30 remained compliant with existing electronic-device and sign-stealing regulations.
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In a Thursday feature for The Athletic, Eno Sarris reported that custom applications had expanded the devices beyond their original review and information-sharing purposes.
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"According to a commissioner's office memo obtained by The Athletic, teams were pushing the boundaries of guidelines governing the use of technology by 'in many cases' installing custom apps that expanded the use of the iPads 'beyond their originally intended purpose to include recommendations regarding substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by players and coaches.'"
As many as one-third of MLB clubs used the technology for at least one newly prohibited function, according to people familiar with its implementation. The issue gained urgency as AI-assisted pitch calling and dugout-controlled sequencing became more common.
MLB will now permit only static scouting information available before the first pitch, with all applications subject to league review. The restriction preserves analytical preparation while preventing software from continuously processing live action and influencing decisions during games.
The policy also protects the traditional responsibilities of managers, coaches, catchers, and pitchers. Some clubs had explored calling pitches from the dugout, although players retained the ability to reject those recommendations.
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Technology will remain central to modern baseball, but MLB has drawn a firm line. In-game decisions must depend on human judgment rather than real-time recommendations produced by software.
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