Braves' Chris Sale refuses to use MLB's new challenge system

The veteran pitcher says he will never challenge a pitch, as he believes it's the umpire's job, not his.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale has vowed to never use MLB's new challenge system, which allows managers and players to challenge ball and strike calls. Sale believes calling balls and strikes is the umpire's job, not the players', and he credits his catchers for their pitch-framing abilities that can make pitches look like strikes.

Why it matters

Sale's stance on the new challenge system goes against the grain, as most players and managers are expected to utilize the new tool to try to gain advantages. His refusal to challenge pitches could put him at odds with the new rules and potentially lead to conflicts with umpires.

The details

In comments to reporters, Sale said, "I will never challenge a pitch. I will never do it." When asked why, he bluntly responded, "Because I'm not an umpire. That's their job. I'm a starting pitcher. I've never called balls and strikes in my life." Sale acknowledged that catchers' pitch-framing abilities often make pitches look like strikes, but he said he will not try to leverage that to challenge calls.

  • On February 13, 2026, Sale made his comments about refusing to use the new challenge system.

The players

Chris Sale

A veteran starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is known as one of the best pitchers of the last decade.

Drake Baldwin

The Braves' starting catcher in 2025, who finished in the 45th percentile in MLB in pitch framing.

Sean Murphy

The Braves' backup catcher, who ranked in the 71st percentile in MLB in pitch framing.

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What they’re saying

“I will never challenge a pitch. I will never do it.”

— Chris Sale, Braves Pitcher (Fox Sports 5)

“Because I'm not an umpire. That's their job. I'm a starting pitcher. I've never called balls and strikes in my life.”

— Chris Sale, Braves Pitcher (Fox Sports 5)

“Catchers nowadays, the way they catch the ball and the way they receive, they make them all look like strikes.”

— Chris Sale, Braves Pitcher (Fox Sports 5)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how Sale's stance on the new challenge system will impact his interactions with umpires and the Braves' overall strategy during the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Chris Sale's refusal to use MLB's new challenge system, despite its potential benefits, highlights the differing perspectives players can have on the evolving rules of the game. His stance could put him at odds with umpires and the Braves' game plan, underscoring the complex dynamics that can arise when new technologies are introduced in professional sports.