Mets Embrace Automated Ball-Strike System in Spring Training

Manager Carlos Mendoza urges 'aggressive' strategy in challenging calls

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The New York Mets got their first taste of Major League Baseball's new automated ball-strike (ABS) system during live batting practice at spring training. Manager Carlos Mendoza encouraged his players to be 'aggressive' in challenging calls, with the team's success rate this spring set to impact their approach during the regular season. Meanwhile, shortstop Francisco Lindor said he respects the team owner Steve Cohen's decision to not name a team captain, stating the clubhouse has strong leaders without the need for that title.

Why it matters

The implementation of the ABS system is a significant rule change for MLB, and how teams like the Mets adapt to it during spring training could give them an advantage once the regular season begins. Lindor's comments on the team captaincy also provide insight into the Mets' leadership structure and Cohen's vision for the franchise.

The details

During the Mets' live batting practice session, catcher Francisco Álvarez successfully challenged a ball call from umpire Jonah Tong, who later lost his own challenge. Manager Carlos Mendoza urged his players to be 'aggressive' in challenging calls, as the team's success rate this spring will impact their approach during the regular season. Mendoza wants the Mets to 'challenge as much as possible' to 'see who's good and who's not' at the new system. Meanwhile, Lindor said he respects Cohen's decision to not name a team captain, stating the clubhouse has strong leaders without the need for that title.

  • The Mets used umpires during live batting practice on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who is encouraging an 'aggressive' strategy in challenging calls under the new automated ball-strike system.

Francisco Álvarez

A Mets catcher who successfully challenged a ball call from umpire Jonah Tong during live batting practice.

Jonah Tong

An umpire who made a ball call that was overturned by Francisco Álvarez, and later lost his own challenge.

Francisco Lindor

The Mets shortstop who said he respects team owner Steve Cohen's decision to not name a team captain.

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets, who has decided there will be no team captain as long as he owns the franchise.

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What they’re saying

“Be aggressive. Challenge as much as possible. We want to see who's good and who's not [at challenging].”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager (nypost.com)

“This is definitely a Steve, front-office type decision. I respect it. At the end of the day … being named captain or not, I'm still going to act the same. This is not something that's going to make me somebody different. So I respect it. I'm glad he put everything to bed, so that way we can stop talking about this. And move on.”

— Francisco Lindor (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Mets will continue to test the automated ball-strike system during spring training, with their success rate in challenging calls set to impact their approach during the regular season.

The takeaway

The Mets' embrace of the new automated ball-strike system and their willingness to be 'aggressive' in challenging calls demonstrates their commitment to adapting to rule changes and finding an edge. Meanwhile, Lindor's acceptance of the team's decision to not have a captain shows the Mets' focus is on building a strong, collaborative clubhouse culture rather than relying on a single leader.