Padres Prepare for New Automated Ball-Strike System in 2026

San Diego manager Craig Stammen outlines team's strategy for utilizing the new ABS technology in Spring Training

Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:49pm

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The 2026 MLB season will feature the introduction of the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, a major rule change that has divided fans but is here to stay. As teams prepare for the new system during Spring Training, San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen discussed the team's strategy for utilizing the ABS challenges, including plans to save challenges for key situations and give catchers more leeway in challenging calls due to their proximity to the strike zone. The Padres will need to develop a cohesive plan to maximize the new system's impact, as pitchers will have limited challenge opportunities due to their emotional state and distance from the plate.

Why it matters

The implementation of the ABS system represents a significant shift in how the game of baseball is officiated, and teams that can quickly adapt and develop effective strategies will have a competitive advantage. As one of the Padres' division rivals, this story is relevant to understanding how San Diego plans to approach the new rule change and position themselves for success in the upcoming season.

The details

New Padres manager Craig Stammen said the team plans to be strategic in how they use their ABS challenges, aiming to save the first challenge for a key situation rather than wasting it early in an at-bat. Stammen acknowledged the risk of teams hoarding challenges and not using them effectively. The catcher position is seen as crucial, as catchers have the best view of the strike zone and will likely be given more leeway to challenge calls. In the Padres' spring opener, catcher Luis Campusano successfully challenged two ball calls, turning them into strikes. Stammen said the team will need to identify which players are most adept at utilizing the ABS system, and may limit challenge opportunities for those who struggle with it.

  • The 2026 MLB season will feature the introduction of the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system.
  • In the Padres' spring opener on February 20, 2026, catcher Luis Campusano successfully challenged two ball calls, turning them into strikes.

The players

Craig Stammen

The new manager of the San Diego Padres, who discussed the team's strategy for utilizing the new ABS system during Spring Training.

Luis Campusano

The Padres' catcher who successfully challenged two ball calls in the team's spring opener, demonstrating the value the catcher position may have in the new ABS system.

Freddy Fermin

The Padres' current starting catcher, who will be competing with Campusano and Blake Hunt for the position in light of the new ABS system.

Blake Hunt

A minor-league pickup for the Padres who will be competing with Campusano and Fermin for the catcher position in light of the new ABS system.

Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners' star catcher who was struck out by Campusano's successful ABS challenge in the spring opener.

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What they’re saying

“I want... to use at least [the] first challenge not with two out and nobody on but save it for a key situation.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

“There 'will be strategies we come up with as we go through Spring Training. We'll need to see who is good at it and who is not... that will be part of it. There should be some revoking of people's challenge opportunities.'”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

“Pitchers are very trustworthy. However, they're highly emotional while pitching. And they're also the farthest away from the strike zone... [they] will have limited opportunities to challenge.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

What’s next

As Spring Training continues, the Padres will need to evaluate which players are most adept at utilizing the new ABS system and determine if they will limit challenge opportunities for those who struggle with it.

The takeaway

The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike system in the 2026 MLB season represents a significant shift in how the game is officiated, and teams that can quickly develop effective strategies for maximizing the new system's impact will have a competitive advantage. The Padres' approach, which emphasizes strategic challenge usage and leveraging the catcher's proximity to the strike zone, highlights the importance of adaptability in the face of major rule changes.