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Minnesota City Today
By the People, for the People
MLB Implements Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System
Catchers, umpires, and teams adjust to new technology in the 2026 season
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system is being implemented in Major League Baseball for the 2026 season after being used in the minor leagues for a few years. Baseball Bar-B-Cast hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman explain the history and mechanics of the new system, and MLB catcher Garrett Stubbs provides a player's perspective on how it impacts the game, strategy, and relationships with umpires.
Why it matters
The ABS system is a significant technological change for baseball that aims to improve the accuracy and consistency of ball-strike calls. However, it also introduces new challenges for players, coaches, and umpires as they adapt to the new system and navigate the strategies around challenging calls.
The details
The ABS system uses a combination of cameras and sensors to automatically detect if a pitch is a ball or strike, with the umpire's call able to be challenged by managers. Stubbs explains how catchers must now be more aware of the strike zone and work closely with pitchers to avoid having calls overturned. The system also creates new tensions between players and umpires as they adjust to the technology.
- The ABS system has been used in the minor leagues for a few seasons.
- The ABS system will be implemented in Major League Baseball starting in the 2026 season.
The players
Jake Mintz
Co-host of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast podcast.
Jordan Shusterman
Co-host of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast podcast.
Garrett Stubbs
Major League Baseball catcher who provides a player's perspective on the ABS system.
What they’re saying
“We must now be more aware of the strike zone and work closely with our pitchers to avoid having calls overturned.”
— Garrett Stubbs, MLB Catcher (Baseball Bar-B-Cast)
What’s next
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, teams, players, and umpires will continue to adapt to the new Automated Ball-Strike challenge system and develop strategies for navigating the changes it brings to the game.
The takeaway
The implementation of the ABS system in Major League Baseball represents a significant technological advancement aimed at improving the accuracy of ball-strike calls. However, it also introduces new challenges for players, coaches, and umpires as they work to integrate the system into the game while maintaining the human element and strategy that makes baseball unique.
