Even with extensive testing in the minor leagues and spring training, the introduction of MLB’s new automated ball-strike challenge system brought many questions. How would teams use their challenges? Who would take the lead? Would a frustrated pitcher waste a challenge out of anger?
One thing is clear: the potential excitement of these challenges is undeniable. This change is much cleaner compared to basketball, where reviews can stretch on for too long. With the new ABS system, challenges wrap up in about 15 seconds. During spring training, MLB reported that this only added a minute to the average game time. Fans of tennis might recall the thrilling anticipation of the Hawk-Eye system, complete with slow-clapping crowds waiting for results.
Currently, in baseball, a team starts each game with two challenges. If a challenge is successful, they keep their count. Effectively, a team can continue to challenge until they miss twice. This means an on-target challenger can really expose an umpire’s mistakes.
For instance, during a recent game between the Reds and the Red Sox, umpire C.B. Bucknor faced heavy scrutiny. The Reds successfully challenged Bucknor’s calls multiple times, proving the power of the new system. “The loudest cheers of the game came on back-to-back challenges!” exclaimed the broadcaster.
This shift in power could redefine the relationship between umpires and players. If umpires make a bad call, teams can now fix it themselves. But if they exhaust their challenges, it’s on them to manage their opportunities wisely. Interestingly, statistics from Triple-A in 2025 show that nearly half of challenged calls were overturned, suggesting that many players may not always be right when they feel wronged.
In that same game, the two teams combined to challenge Bucknor eight times. The Reds were flawless in their challenges, while the Red Sox had a mixed result. Some calls were indeed questionable, but others revealed that not every challenge will lead to clear outcomes. Not every bad call can be corrected; challenges can’t reverse certain decisions like ejections.
As MLB research indicates, fans, players, and managers generally prefer this new approach. Unlike in past decades when video reviews were limited, this system adds a layer of accountability. It allows teams to question calls without relying solely on the whim of human errors.
In the meantime, the excitement continues. The new ABS dashboard on Baseball Savant is a treasure trove of stats and details for fans eager to dive into the numbers. So far, it appears that catchers and pitchers fare better than batters when making challenges. The rates show catchers and pitchers with a higher success rate than their batting counterparts.
The intrigue about how teams will adapt is ongoing. During spring training, the Brewers tried to introduce a signaling system for challenges but were quickly shut down by MLB rules, which state that players can’t communicate about challenges. As a result, the focus remains on individual decision-making in the heat of the moment.
Interestingly, a few bold pitchers have stepped up to make challenges, with mixed success. A recent challenge by Orioles pitcher Ryan Helsley during a tight game showcased the drama involved. The tension escalated when Twins manager Derek Shelton objected to the challenge, leading to his ejection. “He’s arguing with the robots!” commented a broadcast team member, highlighting the evolving nature of the game.
As we see more of this system in action, it seems clear: the game is changing. Embracing technology and accountability might redefine how teams— and umpires— interact on the field.
For more insights on MLB’s tech advancements, check out MLB’s official report on the challenge system.
