Royals' Salvador Perez Leads MLB in ABS After Opening Series

The Royals catcher and his team capitalize on new automated ball-strike system in early games.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:31am

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Salvador Perez and the Kansas City Royals have emerged as early leaders in leveraging the new automated ball-strike (ABS) system implemented across Major League Baseball this season. The Royals catcher has already drawn praise for his ability to frame pitches and work the strike zone, resulting in favorable calls from the automated umpire system.

Why it matters

The ABS system is a major rule change aimed at improving the consistency and accuracy of ball-strike calls. How teams and players adapt to the new technology will be a key storyline throughout the 2026 MLB season, with early standouts like Perez and the Royals gaining an advantage.

The details

Through the first three games of the season, Perez has already racked up a league-leading 12 extra strikes called in his favor by the ABS system. The Royals as a team have also capitalized, drawing 28 extra strikes to lead all MLB clubs. Perez's pitch framing skills and the Royals' disciplined approach at the plate have allowed them to maximize the new automated umpiring technology.

  • The 2026 MLB season began on March 26.
  • The Royals have played 3 games so far this season.

The players

Salvador Perez

The All-Star catcher for the Kansas City Royals, known for his pitch framing and ability to work the strike zone.

Kansas City Royals

The MLB team based in Kansas City, Missouri, who have embraced the new automated ball-strike system early in the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Salvador has always been one of the best at getting extra strikes for our pitchers. Now with the ABS, he's taking that to a whole new level.”

— Mike Matheny, Royals Manager

What’s next

The Royals will look to continue their strong start and take advantage of the ABS system as they face the Chicago White Sox in a 4-game series starting April 1.

The takeaway

The Royals' early success with the new automated ball-strike system demonstrates how teams and players who quickly adapt to major rule changes can gain a competitive edge, at least in the short term.