Baseball ushers in high-tech replay review system for calling balls and strikes
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- Major League Baseball is introducing the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system for the first time in the 2026 season, allowing players to challenge ball or strike calls with a definitive, technology-based ruling.
- The ABS system defines the strike zone rigidly based on a batter’s height, replacing the historically subjective strike zone that varied by umpire judgment and game context.
- Each team will have two challenges per game to contest ball-strike calls, with challenges decided within two seconds and displayed on the stadium scoreboard for all to see.
- The system aims to reduce controversial calls that can affect game outcomes, strategy, and player performance, with players expected to use challenges primarily in high-leverage situations.
- While some fans express resistance to the technological change, MLB officials and players emphasize the importance of accuracy and fairness, highlighting a learning curve for fans adjusting to the new system.
