WSU's Sports Science Lab Fuels Baseball's New ABS Challenge

The Automated Ball-Strike Challenge brings new tech to the diamond this season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:05am

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This baseball season has introduced an exciting new feature called the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge, which allows players to challenge umpire calls on balls and strikes. This new technology is an offshoot of research conducted at Washington State University's Sports Science Laboratory.

Why it matters

The ABS Challenge aims to bring more accuracy and consistency to one of baseball's most contentious calls - determining whether a pitch is a ball or a strike. This new system leverages advanced computer vision and data analytics to provide an objective, real-time assessment of each pitch, potentially reducing disputes and improving the game's integrity.

The details

The ABS Challenge works by using high-speed cameras and sophisticated algorithms to track the trajectory of every pitch. When a player, catcher or coach challenges a ball or strike call, the system instantly analyzes the data and overrides the umpire's decision if the pitch is determined to have crossed the strike zone.

  • The ABS Challenge was introduced at the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Washington State University Sports Science Laboratory

A research facility at Washington State University that specializes in sports technology and analytics, including the development of the computer vision and data systems that power the new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge in Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“The ABS Challenge is a game-changer that will make baseball more fair and accurate. Umpires are human and can make mistakes, but this new system takes the subjectivity out of ball and strike calls.”

— Dustin Watten, Director, WSU Sports Science Laboratory

What’s next

The ABS Challenge will be closely monitored throughout the 2026 season, with potential expansions or refinements to the system based on player, coach and umpire feedback.

The takeaway

Washington State University's pioneering work in sports technology has led to the introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge, which promises to bring a new level of accuracy and fairness to one of baseball's most contentious elements - the determination of balls and strikes.