The Major League Baseball (MLB) confirmed that it will officially implement the Automated Bola and Strike Challenge System (ABS) From the 2026 season. This technology seeks to guarantee greater precision in arbitration decisions, maintaining the dynamics of the game and offering players and fans a fairer experience.
How the ABS challenges system works
The ABS is based on the use of Hawk-Eye technology, which tracks the trajectory of each launch to determine exactly if it was ball or strike.
Number of challenges
Each team will have two challenges per game.
Use and conservation of challenges
Challenges can only be used to appeal ball or strike decisions.
If the appeal is correct, the team maintains its two challenges.
Who can request it and how
Only the pitcher, the batter or the receiver can start the challenge.
The request must be made immediately after the launch, without intervention of the dugout.
The player will indicate his intention by touching the cap or helmet, a clear sign for the referees.
Background and tests in minor leagues
The MLB began to test the ABS system in the minor leagues since 2023, alternating between a fully automated Strike area and the challenge model.
These tests included tournaments and development games where the reaction of the players, referees and fans was evaluated.
Fans and first test opinion in great scenarios
Surveys carried out during spring training revealed that most fans see with good eyes the incorporation of the Baseball ABS.
The system was also used in the 2025 star game, where it received positive comments from players and public.
ABS: The future of decisions in the MLB
With this innovation, MLB seeks to maintain balance between baseball tradition and technological precision. The ABS will be present throughout the 2026 season, marking a before and after in the way balls and strikes are sung.
