Austin Hedges turns robot umpire into his greatest asset

Veteran Guardians catcher masters new ABS challenge system, making it a 'game-changer'

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges, who built his career on the art of pitch framing, initially saw the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system as a threat to his livelihood. But instead of throwing in the towel, Hedges spent the offseason obsessively learning the new system and has now emerged as one of the elite catchers at wielding it to his advantage.

Why it matters

The ability to successfully challenge borderline pitches and flip called balls into strikes can significantly impact the outcome of close games. Hedges' mastery of the ABS system gives the Guardians a strategic advantage that could be the difference between winning and losing tight contests throughout the season.

The details

In the Guardians' 1-0 win over the Brewers on Thursday, Hedges went a perfect 3-for-3 in catcher's challenges, getting two separate called balls overturned to third strikes in favor of Guardians pitchers. The Brewers' broadcasters were impressed, calling Hedges one of a few elite veteran catchers who have a strong understanding of the strike zone and can use the ABS challenge system as a 'weapon'.

  • On Thursday night against Milwaukee, Hedges went 3-for-3 in catcher's challenges in the first five innings.
  • Hedges spent significant time over the offseason studying the ABS system in Cleveland.

The players

Austin Hedges

A veteran catcher for the Cleveland Guardians who has mastered the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, transforming it from a threat to his career into a strategic advantage for his team.

Stephen Vogt

The Guardians manager, who is a former catcher himself and has made mastering the ABS system an organizational priority.

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What they’re saying

“The ability to really know the strike zone, know every hitter's strike zone, that's the key. With the ABS you really have to lock in and study this even more. It gives catchers one more thing on their plate to handle and dissect before each game.”

— Paul Hoynes (Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast)

What’s next

The Guardians will continue to rely on Hedges' expertise with the ABS challenge system as they navigate the 2026 season and aim to return to the playoffs.

The takeaway

Hedges' transformation from seeing the robot umpire as a career threat to wielding it as a strategic advantage highlights the evolution of the catcher position, where mastering the nuances of the strike zone and the ABS challenge system has become a critical skill for elite backstops.