MLB announced that they will implement a challenge system for balls and strikes beginning in 2026. Major League players were able to test the system during Spring Training in 2025, as well as the All-Star Game. For younger players, it will be the exact system they’ve been using in the Minors for the past few years, where teams will receive two unsuccessful challenges per game.
Rather than a full automated strike zone, MLB will still track every pitch with their Hawk-Eye system, meaning a challenge will take mere seconds rather than the lengthy process involved for other out/safe challenges.
Each team will have their own strategy for how challenges are utilized. On the pitching side, many organizations have only allowed catchers to challenge calls so that the pitcher can focus on their job. Offensively, certain players will likely get more leeway to challenge as needed. Players like Luke Keaschall and Edouard Julien who have some of the lowest chase rates in the league and a cerebral feel for the zone are bound to benefit.
Personally, I think the challenge system is a better implementation that the full ABS. While it’s frustrating when an ump misses a call, I think taking away the gamesmanship of pitching to an umpire’s zone removes a huge strategic element. Catcher value will be diminished as teams become better at challenging, but framing won’t become so unimportant that players like Mickey Gasper become regulars behind the dish. The system stands to benefit players like Ryan Jeffers the most; a good hitter who is great at game-planning and managing a pitching staff, but can struggle to frame pitches at times.
