MLB Restricts iPad Use to Curb AI Strategy Decisions

Major League Baseball implemented restrictions on iPad usage in dugouts starting Wednesday night, the beginning of the second half of the season, to prevent the devices from running artificial intelligence for strategy decisions. These tablets previously offered access to video, league data, and custom tabs for additional programs. MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword stated in a June 11 memo that the custom tabs had expanded iPad use beyond their intended purpose, influencing recommendations for substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by players and coaches. The memo was first reported by The Athletic and obtained by The Associated Press.

Former reliever Adam Ottavino suggested that the New York Mets' utilization of technology was a significant factor prompting MLB's crackdown. Ottavino, who pitched for the Mets from 2022-24 and is now a broadcaster for the New York Yankees’ YES Network, discussed the situation on his YouTube livestream, "Baseball & Coffee." He indicated that the Mets had been using an expensive AI program, reportedly with team owner Steve Cohen's investment, which assisted in pitch selection and other strategic elements. Ottavino noted that some coaches around the league were aware of this program, and that MLB intervened to stop its use.

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge expressed surprise at the development, stating, "I read the article and I was like, I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Teams are making decisions off of AI? Man, that’s just crazy." While Ottavino identified the Mets as the primary team that triggered the league's action, he acknowledged that other teams might have also been using similar AI programs. MLB's decision aims to maintain traditional decision-making processes within the game, limiting the influence of advanced analytical tools directly from the dugout.