America’s pastime is getting a high-tech upgrade this spring training season. In a significant step towards the implementation of an automated strike zone, Major League Baseball is introducing the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system in a majority of Cactus and Grapefruit League games. Over 60% of spring contests will feature the new system, marking the first time it has been used in MLB games, even if only of the exhibition variety.
The ABS Challenge System Explained
So how exactly does the ABS challenge system work? Here are the key details:
- Each team gets two challenges per game, and they retain challenges if they are successful.
- Only the batter, catcher or pitcher can initiate a challenge, and it must be done immediately after the umpire makes the call.
- To issue a challenge, the player must quickly tap his hat or helmet. This signals they want the ABS system to review the pitch.
- The results of the challenge will be displayed on the scoreboard and TV broadcast to show if the call was overturned or upheld.
In terms of game flow, the league says a challenge takes roughly 17 seconds to complete based on testing in the minor leagues. Those trials also showed there was an overturn rate of about 50% and an average of 3.9 challenges per game. While that may not seem like much, it could add up over the course of an MLB season.
ABS Across Spring Training
The ABS challenge system will be featured at all five shared spring training facilities in Arizona:
- Peoria Sports Complex (Mariners & Padres)
- Camelback Ranch (Dodgers & White Sox)
- Surprise Stadium (Royals & Rangers)
- Goodyear Ballpark (Reds & Guardians)
- Salt River Fields (Rockies & Diamondbacks)
In Florida, eight teams will also utilize the ABS challenge system in their spring homes: the Blue Jays, Tigers, Yankees, Pirates, Phillies, Mets, Cardinals and Marlins.
With the system being deployed in over 60% of games, it will give the league ample data to analyze. MLB is encouraging players and coaches to use their challenges liberally to really put the ABS through its paces before potentially implementing it in the regular season.
The Road to Robo-Umps
The debut of the ABS challenge system is the culmination of years of testing and development by MLB in the minor leagues. The goal has long been to introduce some form of an automated strike zone to improve accuracy and consistency in pitch calling.
After experimenting with ABS in the minors, the league determined that both players and fans prefer a challenge system to having every pitch call be automated.
While a fully automated strike zone has been tested, the league feels a challenge system retains more of the human element while still leveraging technology to get calls right. It keeps the art of pitch framing in play for catchers. The batter vs. pitcher battle remains the center of attention.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
As of now, the ABS challenge system is slated only for use in spring training this year and in Triple-A during the regular season. However, MLB will be closely monitoring the data and feedback from players, coaches and umpires to determine if it is ready for the big league level in 2026.
Baseball purists may bristle at the idea of robo-umps calling balls and strikes. But with the technology available to analyze every pitch location with precision, the automated strike zone seems more a question of when than if at this point. The ABS challenge system looks to be the first step in that direction.
All eyes will be on those spring contests in Arizona and Florida to see this new frontier of officiating and how it may shape the future of baseball. The first trial is slated for Thursday’s game between the Dodgers and Cubs at Camelback Ranch. Let the challenges begin.
