Yankees' Judge Embraces New ABS Challenge System

6-foot-7 slugger looks to maximize benefits of automated ball-strike technology in 2026 season

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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New York Yankees star Aaron Judge is excited about the introduction of the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system in Major League Baseball for the 2026 season. As a hitter who has frequently been on the wrong end of low strike calls due to his tall 6-foot-7 frame, Judge believes the new system will help correct unfair calls and potentially lead to more wins for the Yankees. Manager Aaron Boone is also warming up to the new technology, encouraging pitchers to be aggressive in challenging calls as well.

Why it matters

The ABS challenge system is a significant rule change that could have a major impact on the game, especially for tall hitters like Judge who have historically been victims of the strike zone being called inconsistently. The ability to challenge calls in real-time has the potential to change the outcome of close games and even entire seasons.

The details

Under the new ABS rules, pitchers, catchers or hitters can initiate challenges without input from the dugout. Teams receive two challenges per game and retain them if successful. In live batting practice, Judge and other Yankees hitters have already started getting a feel for the new system, with prospects like Ben Hess and veterans like Trent Grisham also testing it out. Manager Aaron Boone is encouraging his pitchers to be aggressive in challenging calls, believing they may have a better sense of the strike zone than the catchers in some cases.

  • On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Aaron Judge initiated an ABS challenge during a live batting practice session at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida.
  • Last spring, Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged he was not the biggest fan of the ABS challenge system, but he seems to be warming up to it ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Aaron Judge

The 6-foot-7 slugger and captain of the New York Yankees, who has frequently been on the wrong end of low strike calls due to his tall frame.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who is encouraging his pitchers to be aggressive in using the new ABS challenge system.

Trent Grisham

An outfielder for the Yankees who is among the club's sharpest strike zone arbiters, with a 17.3% chase rate that ranked fourth-best in the Majors last season.

Ben Hess

A Yankees pitching prospect who had his calls challenged by Trent Grisham during a live batting practice session.

Paul Blackburn

The pitcher who threw the pitch that Aaron Judge challenged, which was ruled a ball outside the strike zone.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited for it. I think it's going to be a little weird, because I'm not an umpire. I'm a hitter. I've never been in the box trying to think about, 'Is this a ball? Is that a strike?' If I feel like I can hit it, I feel like it's a strike.”

— Aaron Judge (MLB.com)

“He's one of the most miscalled zones in baseball. Being so tall, he's getting calls below his knees all the time. That's tough. It might be harder for him because that's how he's been called for so long, but I know he's going to benefit from it.”

— Austin Wells, Yankees prospect (MLB.com)

“I'm definitely good with it for now. We'll evolve that a little bit. Our pitchers might be a little less inclined, but I want them to have the freedom right now. There's certain pitches that I do think they'll be a little better on than a catcher.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees manager (MLB.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.