Spring training kicked off with a bang as the Cubs and White Sox faced off at Sloan Park, giving fans their first taste of the ABS challenge system, set to debut in MLB this year. The game featured three challenges on balls and strikes, offering a glimpse into how this new review system operates, as MLB rolls out this technology full-time for the 2026 season.
While minor leaguers have been navigating the ABS challenge system since 2022, it's a new frontier for many veterans, who are still warming up to the concept. During Friday’s matchup, each challenge took about 20 seconds from the moment it was initiated to the final call being made.
It’s early days, and while the process might seem a bit slow now, fans are hopeful that the league will smooth out any wrinkles by Opening Day. The system has already shown its effectiveness at the Triple-A level, where it’s been working seamlessly.
Ultimately, the goal is accuracy. Even if the process takes a bit longer initially, ensuring that a ball is called a ball and a strike is called a strike is what matters most to fans.
In a significant change, MLB broadcasts will no longer show the strike zone box in real time. This decision aims to prevent controversies similar to the Houston Astros scandal, keeping the focus on the integrity of the game.
Here’s how the ABS challenge system is structured:
- Challenge Limits: Each team starts with two challenges per game through the first nine innings. Successful challenges are retained, while unsuccessful ones are lost.
- Extra Innings: Teams receive at least one new challenge in extra innings, ensuring they have opportunities to contest calls even if earlier challenges were used.
- Who Can Challenge: Only the pitcher, catcher, or batter can initiate a challenge. They must signal immediately after the call, typically by tapping their headgear, with no input from managers or other team members.
The ABS challenge system will also be a feature in the playoffs, promising to add another layer of strategy and precision to the game. As we await the regular season, fans and players alike are eager to see how this innovation will unfold on the field.