For Now, ABS Makes Good Theater
Defector • • sports
Key Points:
- MLB's new automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system allows teams to challenge umpire calls, starting with two challenges and retaining them if successful, effectively giving unlimited challenges until two are lost.
- The system resolves challenges quickly, typically within 15 seconds, adding minimal time to games, and has been well-received by fans, players, and managers in tests across minor leagues and spring training.
- In a recent Red Sox-Reds game, the ABS system was prominently used, with teams challenging multiple calls and overturning several, highlighting a shift in power toward teams correcting umpire mistakes.
- Despite its effectiveness, ABS cannot yet reverse all umpire decisions, such as ejections or checked swings, and players must request challenges independently within about two seconds, limiting coordinated or emotional misuse.
- Early data shows catchers and pitchers have different success rates with challenges, with catchers and pitchers overturning 63% of their calls versus 42% for batters, and few pitchers have attempted challenges so far.
