Yankees Prepare for New Automated Ball-Strike System

Aaron Boone encourages aggressive use of challenges to get the most out of the new ABS technology.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The New York Yankees are preparing for the implementation of the new automated ball-strike (ABS) system in the upcoming MLB season. Manager Aaron Boone has emphasized the importance of being aggressive with challenges, noting that teams often don't challenge enough calls early in games. The Yankees have been practicing with the new system during live batting practice sessions, getting their players accustomed to the quick two-second window to challenge calls.

Why it matters

The ABS system represents a significant change to the game of baseball, and teams will need to develop effective strategies to maximize its use. Boone's approach of encouraging aggressive challenges could give the Yankees an advantage, as they look to avoid costly late-game situations where they've already used up their challenges.

The details

The Yankees have brought in umpires to call balls and strikes during live BP, allowing hitters and pitchers to freely challenge calls and get used to the new system. They've also been displaying a strike zone on the scoreboard to show where each pitch actually landed, even if a challenge wasn't used. Boone believes these reps are crucial for his players to develop the "new muscle" required to effectively use the ABS system.

  • The Yankees plan to have Ryan McMahon get reps at shortstop this spring, in case they need a backup option early in the season with Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera potentially starting the year on the injured list.
  • Pitchers Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn each threw two innings and 35 pitches in live BP on Wednesday as they build up as potential rotation depth.

The players

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who has emphasized the importance of being aggressive with challenges under the new ABS system.

Aaron Judge

The star outfielder for the Yankees, who Boone envisions could be in a late-game situation with the bases loaded and the team's challenges already used up.

Ryan McMahon

A versatile infielder for the Yankees who will get reps at shortstop this spring, providing depth at a position where the team may be short-handed early in the season.

Anthony Volpe

The Yankees' top prospect, who is expected to start the season on the injured list.

Oswaldo Cabrera

A Yankees infielder who may not be ready to start the season on time as he recovers from a broken ankle.

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What they’re saying

“The thing we've found with this where it's been used is, people don't challenge enough. When you first hear about it, the natural reaction or tendency is, 'I got to save them.' Then you end up taking them home. Games are won and lost in the second, third and fourth inning all the time. So we want our guys to be good at it, we want them to be disciplined, but we also want them to be aggressive with it.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (New York Post)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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