Mets Allegedly Illegally Used AI to Assist Decisions — And Somehow Still Stunk

The New York Mets have come under scrutiny after allegations surfaced that they improperly used artificial intelligence to aid in-game decision-making, despite the team’s continued poor performance. According to reports from multiple media outlets, including the New York Post, the Mets allegedly exploited a loophole that allowed them to access unauthorized software via in-dugout iPads. The system, which reportedly included the use of AI tools such as Claude, enabled the team to bypass official rules designed to limit technological assistance during games. Despite these alleged violations, the Mets remain near the bottom of the league standings, raising questions about the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of their AI-driven strategies. The controversy emerged following a detailed report by the New York Post published on July 19, 2026. The article cited anonymous sources within Major League Baseball (MLB) who claimed that several teams, including the Mets, had accessed non-approved programs through customized tabs on their iPads. These tabs, according to the report, allowed teams to run applications beyond those sanctioned by MLB. The Post’s Dan Martin noted that the feature would no longer be available, suggesting that the league had taken steps to close the loophole. However, the exact duration of the Mets’ alleged misuse remained unclear, leaving uncertainty over whether former manager Carlos Mendoza or current interim manager Andy Green, or both, were responsible for implementing the AI-based decisions. The Mets’ struggles this season have been consistent, with the team failing to improve its standing despite the purported use of advanced technology. While the specifics of how the AI was applied remain undisclosed, speculation has focused on potential errors in prompt input, flawed algorithmic logic, or improper interpretation of the AI’s recommendations. Some analysts suggest that the team’s overall weakness may have rendered even the most sophisticated data analysis ineffective. “Everything that’s happened to the Mets this season has been less ‘Gemini’ and more ‘Gemi-oh-God-why?’” remarked one sports commentator, highlighting the team’s persistent underperformance. The issue has sparked broader discussions about the role of technology in professional sports and the boundaries of fair play. While some argue that AI can provide valuable insights, others warn against its potential to undermine traditional coaching methods and create an uneven playing field. The Mets’ case appears to exemplify the risks associated with relying too heavily on unregulated technological tools. As the league continues to grapple with the integration of AI into game operations, the Mets’ situation serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations, and possible pitfalls, of such approaches. MLB officials have yet to make public statements confirming or denying the allegations against the Mets. However, the league’s recent actions to restrict access to unauthorized software suggest that enforcement of existing rules is becoming a priority. Legal proceedings or internal investigations may follow, depending on the outcome of ongoing reviews. For now, the focus remains on the team’s on-field performance, which has not improved despite the alleged technological advantages. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike await further developments regarding the Mets’ use of AI and the broader implications for the sport. Whether the team faces penalties, changes in management, or a renewed effort to rebuild its roster remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the Mets’ continued struggle underscores the challenges of leveraging cutting-edge technology without a corresponding improvement in competitive outcomes.