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White Sox Struggle with New MLB Challenge System in Early Going
Catchers lead league in challenges, but have low success rate as team focuses on framing over challenging
Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:55pm
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The White Sox's challenges with the new MLB ball/strike review system reflect the complexities of adapting to major rule changes in professional sports.Chicago TodayThe Chicago White Sox have had a difficult start to the 2026 season adjusting to MLB's new ball/strike challenge system. Entering play on Monday, Sox catchers had issued 15 ABS challenges to umpires' pitch calls, tied for second-most in baseball, but had only won 6 of those challenges for a 40% success rate, ranking third-worst in the league. Meanwhile, Sox hitters had only challenged 4 pitch calls, tied for the fewest in baseball, and won 2 of those. General manager Chris Getz said the team is prioritizing catcher framing over challenge strategy, as they believe umpires will adjust to the new system over time.
Why it matters
The new MLB challenge system is a significant change that is impacting teams and players differently across the league. The White Sox's early struggles with the system, particularly on the pitching side, could put them at a disadvantage if they are unable to effectively leverage the new rules to their benefit.
The details
Through the first week of the season, White Sox catchers had issued 15 ABS challenges to umpires' pitch calls, tied for the second-most in baseball. However, they had only won 6 of those challenges for a 40% success rate, ranking them third-worst in the league. Catcher Edgar Quero had lost 8 of his 13 challenges, while Reese McGuire was 1-for-2. General manager Chris Getz said the team is more focused on catcher framing ability to get calls, rather than an aggressive challenge strategy, as they believe umpires will adjust to the new system over time.
- As of Monday, April 6, 2026
The players
Chris Getz
The general manager of the Chicago White Sox.
Edgar Quero
A White Sox catcher who has lost 8 of his 13 ABS challenges so far this season.
Reese McGuire
A White Sox catcher who is 1-for-2 on ABS challenges so far this season.
What they’re saying
“Our guys have a pretty good idea of when a good time is to use the challenge and when not to. I've been pretty happy with how it's been used on our front, and I think the overall strategy, it's going to take time to develop because I do think that umpires are going to adjust as well.”
— Chris Getz, General Manager
The takeaway
The White Sox's early struggles with the new MLB challenge system highlight the learning curve teams are facing as they adapt to the new rules. While the Sox are prioritizing catcher framing over an aggressive challenge strategy, their low success rate so far could put them at a disadvantage if they are unable to effectively leverage the new system to their benefit as the season progresses.
