Why MLB should fully implement ABS challenge system in 2026

Why MLB should fully implement ABS challenge system in 2026

Major League Baseball has experimented with implementing an automated balls-strike system for roughly the last half-decade, but in the minor leagues.

Last year, they tested with both automated balls-strikes–where umpires would hear either “ball” or “strike” in an earpiece–and ABS challenge system where the human would call balls-strikes, but the players would have an opportunity to challenge whether or not it was a ball or strike. Each team was granted three opportunities to challenge and would retain the challenge if it was won.

However, in late June, Triple-A teams scrapped the former while implementing the challenge system, though the trade-off was that teams were only granted two challenges. This spring, MLB is testing the same format.

Why MLB should stick with ABS challenge system:

In practice, it’s incredibly simple. Regardless of the count, the pitcher, catcher or hitter can challenge by tapping their head. Here was an example of one of the first reviews in spring.

Ben Rortvedt and the Rays unsuccessfully challenge this ball four call on Jazz Chisholm Jr. pic.twitter.com/JxINDjAgVG

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) February 21, 2025

According to the Associated Press, roughly half of the challenges were won (51 percent)–similar to how successful the video review process was in 2024 (53.7 percent).

Regardless of the success rate, perhaps the most beneficial part of the ABS challenge system is how long it takes. In the example above, the review took roughly 15 seconds–including the umpire announcing that a review was taking place.

Here are some others that have occurred throughout spring:

The ABS Challenge System is here!

Cody Poteet is the first player to challenge a call, and he won it!

(via @WatchMarquee)pic.twitter.com/0a4YDHtV3C

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 20, 2025

This ABS challenge 😳

(via @PitchingNinja)pic.twitter.com/QJdo1SPrWF

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 22, 2025

Eddie Rosario challenges this strike. Upon ABS review, the call is upheld.

(MLB x @TMobile) pic.twitter.com/6ZldkSp4Ki

— MLB (@MLB) February 22, 2025

ROBOT UMPIRES ARE HERE 🤖

Is the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system good for baseball? 🤔

via @SammyLev | #MLBpic.twitter.com/yDwvCq6mdE

— FanDuel (@FanDuel) February 20, 2025

Challenges in the NBA or NFL take far too long and kill the pace of play. This process does little to no harm to the pace of play at all. Sports is fixated on making sure every call is right where we have these prolonged review processes. With ABS–similar to tennis–it would take 10-15 seconds and then we could all move on. That should be the biggest incentive.

MLB, ESPN mutually agree to opt out of final three years of TV deal after 2025

However, one downside is framing gets slightly devalued. Though if a catcher can frame a pitch well enough for a strike, perhaps the hitter will be swayed not to challenge–thus suggesting there’s still some value it beholds. We also may not see as many manager ejections, which are always fun.

All in all, this is a completely simple process that MLB should implement as soon as it can. I’ve seen it firsthand in Triple-A and it works. MLB won’t be implemented during the 2025 regular season, but it should in 2026 and beyond.

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