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MLB Introduces ABS Challenge System for 2026 Season

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Major League Baseball (MLB) will implement the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System in 2026 to improve strike call consistency.
The ABS system allows players to challenge calls directly, with each team receiving two challenges per game.
The change is expected to benefit Aaron Judge (New York Yankees slugger), who has faced incorrect calls.
Austin Wells (New York Yankees catcher) may see his pitch-framing skills diminish in value.

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Story summary

Major League Baseball (MLB) will implement the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System in 2026 to improve strike call consistency.
The ABS system allows players to challenge calls directly, with each team receiving two challenges per game.
The change is expected to benefit Aaron Judge (New York Yankees slugger), who has faced incorrect calls.
Austin Wells (New York Yankees catcher) may see his pitch-framing skills diminish in value.