MLB Bans Use of AI on Dugout Tablets During Games

Major League Baseball (MLB) has completely banned the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology on tablet PCs (iPads) in the dugout during games, according to an exclusive report by the U.S. online sports media outlet The Athletic.

According to a memo from the MLB Commissioner's Office obtained by The Athletic, major league clubs had been installing custom applications to receive AI-generated recommendations for decisions traditionally made by players and coaches, such as player substitutions and pitch selection, going beyond the originally intended purpose of the tablet PCs.

With approximately one-third of the 30 clubs utilizing tablets for such purposes, the MLB office sent a memo to all teams on June 12, announcing that the practice would be prohibited starting from the beginning of the second half of the season, following a one-month grace period.

The Athletic interpreted this as an urgent mid-season measure by MLB to prevent the spread of AI in games, amid global concerns over the indiscriminate encroachment of AI into human domains due to technological advancements.

While there are no specific penalties for violating the MLB office's directive, one club official expressed support for the policy, stating, "We need to stop it before a real cheating scandal erupts."

MLB began providing tablet PCs to each club in 2016 in collaboration with Apple for the purpose of reviewing game situations.

The devices can only run applications installed by the MLB office, and players are restricted from accessing social media or internet websites.

Usage that deviates from the intended purpose is strictly monitored through software installed on the tablets by the MLB office.

Controls were tightened following the sign-stealing scandal that rocked MLB in 2020.

Since then, as players and coaches requested "customized usage," the MLB office relaxed regulations, and currently, three tablet PCs are used in MLB dugouts during games.

One tablet provides statistical data and multi-angle video footage provided by the MLB office, while another displays all records and statistics related to the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS).

The third tablet provides real-time information on team-specific pitcher-batter matchups, player tendencies, and defensive strategies—data that was previously carried in binders.

Based on such data, the Miami Marlins began actively instructing pitchers on which pitches to throw from the bench starting this year.

This effectively meant relying on machines for decisions usually made by pitchers and catchers. The Miami club emphasized that this was a strategy for player development and team victory, given their roster of pitchers with less major league experience compared to other teams.

Following this, up to five other clubs began to emulate the Miami Marlins.

However, under the MLB office's policy banning the use of generative AI data, clubs will now only be allowed to upload statistical data that has received prior approval from MLB to their tablets.

It is not clearly known how many MLB clubs are actually using generative AI in games.

This is because clubs that have benefited significantly are reluctant to speak about it for fear of losing their advantage.

In South Korea's KBO League, the introduction of electronic devices into the dugout is strictly prohibited.

Similar to the MLB office, only tablet PCs for checking the ABS are provided to each team.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.