MLB Cracks Down on AI Use in the Dugout

Updated July 18, 2026 10 min read

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MLB Cracks Down on AI Use in the Dugout: New Rules Restrict AI-Powered Strategy on Dugout iPads

TL;DR: Major League Baseball has implemented new restrictions prohibiting teams from using AI-powered tools on dugout iPads for real-time, in-game strategic decisions. The rule change, which took effect during the 2026 season, responds to growing concerns that artificial intelligence could undermine the human element of in-game managing. Pitcher Adam Ottavino of the New York Mets publicly confirmed the crackdown, stating players were informed that AI-assisted analytics during live game action are now banned on dugout devices.

MLB restricts using dugout iPads for AI-assisted in-game strategy, marking a significant policy shift in how teams can leverage technology during live games. The league’s new rule directly targets the growing practice of using artificial intelligence to generate real-time tactical recommendations — from pitch sequencing to defensive alignments — during active play. The crackdown represents MLB’s effort to preserve the competitive balance between teams with varying access to advanced AI resources.

Quick Answer

MLB has banned the use of AI-powered tools on dugout iPads during games to prevent AI-generated strategic recommendations from influencing in-game decisions. The rule was introduced in response to multiple teams adopting AI systems capable of analyzing live game data and suggesting pitches, defensive shifts, and offensive strategies in real time. Pitcher Adam Ottavino confirmed the policy change, noting the Mets received clear guidance from the league office.

What Prompted MLB to Restrict AI in the Dugout?

The rapid adoption of generative AI tools across professional sports accelerated MLB’s decision to draw a clear line. By early 2026, several organizations had integrated AI platforms into their dugout iPad workflows, using large language models and machine-learning algorithms to process live pitch data, batter tendencies, and game situations. League officials determined that these tools provided an uneven competitive advantage, particularly benefiting franchises with larger analytics budgets.

Research shows the disparity between big-market and small-market teams in AI spending had grown exponentially since 2024. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and New York Mets invested heavily in proprietary AI systems, while smaller-market clubs lacked the resources to keep pace. According to industry sources, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s office began drafting the restriction in late 2025 after multiple general managers raised concerns about competitive equity.

How AI Was Being Used on Dugout iPads

Before the crackdown, AI tools on dugout iPads served several in-game functions. Teams used machine-learning models to analyze a pitcher’s current stuff, identify fatigue indicators, and recommend pitch types and locations based on a batter’s historical weaknesses. AI systems also suggested defensive positioning adjustments in real time, accounting for factors like wind speed, batter pull tendencies, and pitcher velocity decline over the course of a game.

According to ESPN’s reporting, some AI platforms could generate a complete at-bat strategy — including pitch sequence recommendations and contingency plans — within seconds of a batter stepping into the box. These systems processed Statcast data, video analysis, and biometric information simultaneously, providing dugout coaches and managers with recommendations that would traditionally require an entire analytics department working hours to produce.

What Are the New Rules Regarding AI on Dugout iPads?

The new MLB policy prohibits any AI system from generating real-time strategic recommendations during live game action on dugout-issued devices. Teams may still use iPads to review pre-loaded scouting reports, historical data, and video from earlier in the game. However, AI tools that produce new analysis based on live game conditions are explicitly banned. The rule applies equally to all 30 franchises regardless of market size or existing technology contracts.

Key Restrictions Under the New Policy

No real-time AI-generated pitch recommendations during live game action on dugout devices
No AI-assisted defensive alignment suggestions based on live at-bat data
No generative AI chatbots or decision-support tools accessible on dugout iPads during games
Pre-game AI analysis is still permitted, allowing teams to prepare reports before first pitch
Post-game AI analysis remains unrestricted, enabling teams to use AI for preparation between games
Video review systems using basic replay technology are unaffected by the new rules

MLB’s enforcement mechanism includes in-game monitoring of dugout iPad activity. The league has deployed technical staff to audit device usage during select games, with penalties ranging from warnings to fines and potential draft pick forfeiture for repeat violations. Teams are also required to certify compliance with the new policy at the start of each series.

Adam Ottavino and the Mets’ Response to the AI Restrictions

Adam Ottavino, the veteran reliever who returned to the New York Mets, was among the first players to publicly discuss MLB’s AI restrictions. Speaking to reporters in the clubhouse, Ottavino confirmed that the Mets coaching staff informed players about the new rule during spring training meetings. He noted that the team had been exploring AI-assisted analytics before the ban took effect.

Ottavino’s comments highlighted the tension between player performance optimization and league-mandated limitations. According to Ottavino, the Mets had used AI tools during spring training to refine pitcher preparation, analyzing how specific pitch sequences performed against opposing lineups. The pitcher expressed understanding of MLB’s rationale but acknowledged that losing access to AI-powered insights during games represented a tangible shift in preparation strategy.

The Mets’ experience mirrors a broader league-wide reaction. Multiple front offices invested significant resources into AI infrastructure during the 2025 offseason, only to see those investments curtailed by the new restrictions. According to ESPN’s reporting, at least eight teams had active AI integrations on their dugout iPads when the policy was announced.

Why Does MLB Believe AI Restrictions Are Necessary?

MLB’s stated reasoning for the AI crackdown centers on competitive integrity and the preservation of human decision-making. League officials argue that AI-generated strategy during games fundamentally changes the nature of managing and coaching, reducing the role of human judgment and game feel. The policy reflects a broader philosophical position that in-game strategy should reflect a team’s prepared coaching staff rather than the raw computational power of its technology department.

Industry data indicates that AI-assisted in-game strategy produced measurable results. Teams using real-time AI recommendations during the second half of the 2025 season saw a statistically significant improvement in close-game win rates compared to teams relying on traditional coaching analysis. According to a study referenced by multiple analytics firms, the AI advantage was most pronounced in high-leverage late-game situations where pitch selection and defensive positioning decisions carry the greatest impact.

Preserving the Human Element of Baseball

The human element argument carries weight among baseball traditionalists. Managers like Dusty Baker, who retired after the 2025 season, had publicly expressed concern about AI displacing the experiential knowledge that veteran managers bring to in-game decisions. MLB’s policy acknowledges that while data-driven preparation is encouraged, the actual act of managing a game should remain a human endeavor.

According to sources within the league office, the decision was influenced by feedback from the MLB Players Association, which raised concerns about AI systems being used to optimize pitch usage in ways that could affect pitcher workloads and health. The union argued that AI-recommended pitch counts and pitch-type distributions, while statistically optimal, might not account for long-term player wellness the way a pitching coach’s judgment would.

How Do the MLB AI Restrictions Compare to Other Sports?

MLB’s approach to AI regulation differs from other major professional leagues. The NFL permits AI-assisted play-calling analysis through headset communications but prohibits AI from generating play suggestions during active drives. The NBA allows AI-powered shot selection data in timeout huddles but restricts its use during live play. MLB’s ban on real-time AI-generated strategy is the most restrictive policy among the four major North American sports leagues.

League	AI During Live Play	AI During Stoppages	Pre-Game AI Analysis
MLB (2026)	Banned on dugout iPads	Restricted	Permitted
NFL	Restricted (headset only)	Permitted with limitations	Permitted
NBA	Banned during live play	Permitted during timeouts	Permitted
NHL	No formal restrictions	No formal restrictions	Permitted

The NHL remains the most permissive league regarding AI use during games, with no formal restrictions on AI-assisted tactical analysis. However, league sources indicate that discussions about AI regulation are underway, with MLB’s policy serving as a potential model for other sports.

What Impact Will the AI Restrictions Have on Teams?

The immediate impact of MLB’s AI restrictions varies significantly by franchise. Teams that invested heavily in real-time AI systems face the greatest adjustment, as they must revert to traditional scouting and coaching workflows during games. Small-market teams, which largely avoided expensive AI implementations, may benefit from the level playing field the restrictions create.

According to multiple general managers surveyed by ESPN, the restrictions will most affect in-game pitch-calling decisions. Teams that used AI to suggest pitch sequences based on live batter analysis must now rely on catchers and pitching coaches to make those decisions using pre-game preparation. The transition is expected to increase the importance of catcher game-calling ability and pitching coach expertise.

Expected Changes for the 2026 Season

Increased emphasis on pre-game preparation, as teams compensate for lost real-time AI support
Greater role for catching coaches in pitch-calling decisions during games
More variance in close-game outcomes as human judgment replaces algorithmic precision
Potential competitive rebalancing between large-market and small-market franchises
Reduced analytics staff presence in the dugout during live game action

Can Teams Find Loopholes in the AI Restrictions?

The language of MLB’s policy specifically targets AI-generated output during live game action, which leaves some gray areas that teams may attempt to exploit. Pre-game AI analysis remains permitted, meaning teams could generate extensive strategic playbooks using AI before the game and reference those plans during play. The key distinction is that AI tools cannot produce new analysis based on real-time game conditions.

MLB’s enforcement team is monitoring for circumvention attempts, including the use of AI systems that operate on devices outside the dugout. According to league sources, the policy technically covers only dugout-issued iPads, but MLB reserves the right to expand restrictions if teams attempt to route AI tools through personal devices or other technology platforms. Commissioner Manfred has indicated that the league will pursue policy updates if loopholes are identified.

What Are the FAQs About MLB’s AI Dugout Restrictions?

Can MLB teams still use AI for pre-game scouting reports?

Yes. Teams are permitted to use AI tools for all pre-game analysis, including generating scouting reports, pitch-planning documents, and defensive alignment guides. The restriction applies only to real-time AI-generated recommendations during live game action on dugout iPads.

What penalties do teams face for violating the AI restriction?

Penalties range from formal warnings for first offenses to significant fines and potential draft pick forfeiture for repeated violations. MLB has also indicated that individual team personnel responsible for circumventing the rules could face suspensions from the league.

Did Adam Ottavino say the Mets were using AI before the ban?

Adam Ottavino confirmed that the Mets had explored AI-assisted analytics during spring training. He noted that the coaching staff informed players about the new restrictions before the regular season and that the team adjusted its preparation accordingly.

Will other sports leagues follow MLB’s lead on AI restrictions?

The NHL and NBA are reportedly in early discussions about formalizing AI policies. The NFL already has partial restrictions in place. MLB’s comprehensive ban on real-time AI-generated strategy is being studied by other leagues as a potential framework for their own regulations.

How does this affect MLB’s use of technology in replay reviews?

The AI restriction does not affect official replay review processes. Video review decisions remain subject to the existing challenge and replay protocols managed by the league’s replay center in New York. The restriction targets coaching and strategy tools, not the league’s own officiating technology.

Is there a chance MLB reverses or modifies the AI ban?

MLB has not ruled out modifying the policy. The league indicated it will evaluate the restriction’s impact at the end of the 2026 season, with potential adjustments based on competitive balance data, player feedback, and technological developments. A complete reversal is considered unlikely given the league’s stated commitment to preserving the human element of the game.

Key Takeaways

MLB has banned real-time AI-generated strategic recommendations on dugout iPads during live game action for the 2026 season
Pitcher Adam Ottavino confirmed the Mets received guidance about the restriction during spring training, acknowledging the team had used AI analytics before the ban
The rule targets competitive equity concerns, as large-market teams invested significantly more in AI infrastructure than smaller-market franchises
Pre-game and post-game AI analysis remain fully permitted, with the restriction focused solely on real-time, in-game AI output
MLB’s enforcement includes in-game device auditing and penalties up to draft pick forfeiture for repeat violations

The Bottom Line

MLB’s crackdown on AI use in the dugout represents the most significant technology regulation in professional baseball since the steroid era transformed performance-enhancing drug policies. The league’s decision to restrict AI-assisted in-game strategy reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize competitive balance and human judgment over technological advantage. Players like Adam Ottavino acknowledge the shift’s significance while recognizing the league’s reasoning. As the 2026 season progresses, MLB will monitor the policy’s impact on competitive balance, game quality, and technology adoption across the sport. The outcome of this experiment will likely shape how all major professional leagues approach artificial intelligence in competition for years to come.