By: Davyn Horton
Major League Baseball will make a major change, beginning in 2026. The automatic ball strike challenge system, first tested for years at the minor league level and then used in MLB Spring Training as well as the All-Star Game, will come to the top level of baseball, beginning next season. Many fans who get very angry with the umpires will jump up with joy. That said, others caution the move. All in all, the way it is used will be closely watched by all, to see if the system will ultimately work or not.
ABS Challenge System Is Coming To The MLB In 2026
Major League Baseball is making a major change, beginning with the 2026 season. The Joint Competition Committee votes for the ABS Challenge System to be in full use at the major league level. This is beginning in 2026. The system has been used the past few seasons at the minor league level. However, it will now get its chance to shine at the major league level. A statement from Comissioner Rob Manfred on the new system reads:
We used the same process with ABS that started with listening to fans, conducting extensive testing at the Minor League level, and trying at every step to make the game better. Throughout this process we have worked on deploying the system in a way that’s acceptable to players. The strong preference from players for the Challenge format over using the technology to call every pitch was a key factor in determining the system we are announcing today.
In summary, this is a major shift for Major League Baseball as a whole. In terms of calling balls and strikes, it has always been the home plate umpire. That said, while they still will call them, the batter, pitcher, or catcher can challenge a ball or strike call at any time. With that, the future of Major League Baseball has changed once again. However, only time will tell in terms of which direction the new system will ultimately lead it.
A New Beginning For Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is moving to the automatic ball strike challenge system beginning in 2026. Fans, umpires, and the league itself will await to see the results, of a bold but widely-tested system at least being used full-time in the major leagues.