Full Breakdown
Who Is Wasting the Most ABS Challenges? A Data-Driven Deep Dive
5/13/2026, 1:13:32 PM
Who Is Wasting the Most ABS Challenges
Analysis of 2026 ABS challenge data highlights players eroding their teams’ challenge budgets. Gary Sanchez leads with 16 challenges, a 56 % overturn rate, and a net loss of 7.1 challenges versus an optimal challenger. Nolan Schanuel (12 challenges, 33.3 % success) and Josh Naylor (10 challenges, three wins) show similar inefficiencies. Ronald Acuña Jr. posts a 36.4 % success rate and a net loss of 5.2 challenges; James Wood’s single overturn of nine attempts marks the poorest rate among qualifiers. Catcher Edgar Quero records 42 challenges, a 42.9 % overturn rate, and a net loss of 12 challenges—the highest volume and damage. Nick Fortes follows with a net loss of 8.1 challenges.
How the ABS System Works and Why Efficiency Matters
The ABS system lets batters and catchers contest umpire calls. A challenge is reasonable when the pitch lies within three inches of the zone edge and an overturn would lower the expected run value by at least 0.3 runs, per the Statcast model. Teams receive a limited number of challenges per game; inefficient use reduces the pool for later, higher-leverage situations.
Key Challenge Metrics
Key metrics: Gary Sanchez – 16 challenges, 56 % overturn, net loss 7.1; Nolan Schanuel – 12 challenges, 33.3 % overturn; Josh Naylor – 10 challenges, three successful; Ronald Acuña Jr. – 36.4 % overturn, net loss 5.2; James Wood – 1 overturn of 9 attempts (worst rate); Edgar Quero (catcher) – 42 challenges, 42.9 % overturn, net loss 12; Nick Fortes (catcher) – net loss 8.1. High volume with low success compounds the budget drain.
Impact on Team Resources
Wasted challenges diminish a team’s ability to contest borderline calls later, potentially affecting run outcomes and win probability. Multiple inefficient challengers create a “quiet problem” that limits strategic flexibility, especially for teams already competing for marginal advantages.
Criticism & Opposition
The report notes that “the hitters and catchers on this list are not doing that consistently,” and adds that “some of them will adjust. Some will not,” indicating the issue may be correctable for some players but persistent for others.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Gary Sanchez is wasting more ABS challenges than anyone Sanchez leads this list in both volume and damage.” — Fansided analysis
What’s Next
The 2026 season remains early, and challenge metrics are expected to evolve. Continued monitoring will reveal whether identified players adjust their approach, thereby restoring challenge budget efficiency for their clubs.
