Orioles' Pete Alonso embraces fan interaction of new ABS system

The slugger sees the new automated ball-strike technology as an added level of excitement for baseball fans.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with the players, field, and crowd broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic and interactive nature of the new Automated Ball-Strike system.The new Automated Ball-Strike system adds an interactive element to the game, allowing fans to engage with the umpiring process in real-time.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso has embraced the MLB's new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, noting that it adds a new level of fan engagement and interactivity to the game. Alonso, who recently signed a $155 million contract with the Orioles, has observed how the crowd reacts to the ABS system overturning calls, and believes it makes the game more exciting. While the league is still adapting to the new technology, Alonso is confident he won't let it affect his performance, having hit 264 home runs over his seven-year career with the New York Mets.

Why it matters

The implementation of the ABS system is a significant change for MLB, and how players like Alonso adapt to it will be closely watched. Alonso's positive outlook on the fan engagement aspect of ABS could help shape the narrative around the new technology and how it is received by both players and fans.

The details

In the Orioles' matchup against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, there were 10 total changes made by the ABS system, with seven of them being overturned calls. Alonso has noticed how the fans in the crowd have reacted enthusiastically to these overturned calls, adding an extra level of excitement to the game. While the league will have a full view of the ABS system's effectiveness after the season, Alonso believes it gives teams a way to argue against calls they disagree with, and the broadcasting of pitch locations makes the game more interactive for fans.

  • The Orioles faced the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • Alonso recently signed a $155 million contract with the Orioles.

The players

Pete Alonso

A first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles who recently signed a $155 million contract with the team. Alonso had a successful seven-year career with the New York Mets, hitting 264 home runs and making five All-Star Game appearances.

Baltimore Orioles

A professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland, that competes in the American League of Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“I think people in the crowd are obviously into it. It's fun, you know? It's a different type of baseball.”

— Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles First Baseman

What’s next

After the 2026 MLB season, the league will have a full evaluation of the effectiveness of the new Automated Ball-Strike system and how it has been received by players, teams, and fans.

The takeaway

Alonso's positive outlook on the fan engagement aspect of the ABS system could help shape the narrative around the new technology and its integration into the game. As players and teams continue to adapt, the interactive nature of the system may prove to be a valuable addition to the baseball viewing experience.