Twins' Ryan Jeffers Shows Prowess with Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System

Catcher leads MLB in overturned calls, helping Twins protect leads late in games

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball catcher in a dynamic, multi-perspective pose as he challenges an umpire's call, the field and players broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors.Jeffers' keen eye and strategic use of the new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System have become a valuable asset for the Twins in close games.Fargo Today

Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers has emerged as one of the best in the league at utilizing the new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS), overturning a league-high 10 calls so far this season. Jeffers' ability to accurately read the strike zone and challenge borderline pitches has proven crucial in close games, with manager Derek Shelton praising his game awareness and decision-making in when to challenge.

Why it matters

The ABS system is a new technology being implemented across MLB this season, allowing catchers and hitters to challenge umpire ball-strike calls. Jeffers' prowess with the system gives the Twins a significant advantage, as overturned calls can be the difference in close, high-leverage situations late in games. This story highlights how certain players are adapting more quickly than others to the new technology, which could have major implications on the outcome of games and the playoff race.

The details

Jeffers has overturned a league-leading 10 calls so far this season, converting balls into strikeouts in key moments. His 67% success rate on challenges is well above the league average of 48% for hitters. Jeffers says he has an innate ability to read the strike zone, and manager Shelton believes he is the best in the league at utilizing the ABS system. Shelton praised Jeffers' game awareness, noting a situation where the catcher chose not to challenge a borderline pitch to preserve the team's final challenge for a more crucial moment.

  • On Wednesday, Jeffers overturned two consecutive pitches into strikeouts in the 8th inning.
  • Entering Thursday, Jeffers had won 10 of his 15 ABS challenges this season, tied for the MLB lead.

The players

Ryan Jeffers

The Minnesota Twins' starting catcher, who has emerged as one of the best in the league at utilizing the new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System.

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins, who has praised Jeffers' prowess with the ABS system and his game awareness in when to challenge calls.

Cody Laweryson

The Detroit Tigers pitcher whose 1-2 fastball was overturned into a strikeout by Jeffers in a key 8th inning situation.

Steve Jaschinski

The home plate umpire who made the initial ball-strike call that Jeffers challenged and overturned.

Logan O'Hoppe

The Los Angeles Angels catcher who is tied with Jeffers for the league lead in overturned ABS calls.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You either have it or you don't. Some people have an innate ability to understand the strike zone, and I guess I'm pretty good at it.”

— Ryan Jeffers

“I'd be shocked if there's anybody better at it. He's really good at it, and he's really aware of it.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

“Whenever we see him challenging, we're like 'Alright, we've got a strike there.' Yeah, it's always a good sign whenever I see him tapping his head.”

— Bailey Ober, Twins Pitcher

What’s next

As the season progresses, the Twins will continue to evaluate their usage of the ABS system, especially as it relates to their hitters challenging calls. While Jeffers has been highly successful, the team's hitters have been less so, leading to early challenges that could impact late-game situations. The Twins will look to find the right balance as they aim to maximize the benefits of the new technology.

The takeaway

Ryan Jeffers' exceptional ability to accurately read the strike zone and effectively utilize the new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System has given the Minnesota Twins a significant advantage in close, high-leverage games. His prowess with the ABS system highlights how certain players are adapting more quickly than others to this new technology, which could have major implications on the outcome of games and the playoff race throughout the MLB season.