On a sunny afternoon at CHS Field in St. Paul, over 8,000 fans gathered to watch a Class AAA game between the St. Paul Saints and the Columbus Clippers, the top farm clubs of the Twins and the Cleveland Guardians. The game was quickly impacted by modern technology.
During the first inning, Saints pitcher Ronny Henriquez threw a pitch to Johnathan Rodriguez, the Clippers’ designated hitter. The umpire called it a strike, but Rodriguez challenged the call. A strike zone grid was displayed on the video board, confirming the call as a strike. This automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system has been in use in Class AAA since 2022 and may be introduced to Major League Baseball by 2026.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned the possibility of implementing an ABS challenge system in 2026, citing technical issues that still need to be addressed. Fans have long been advocating for automated ball-and-strike systems due to the difficulty of accurately calling pitches in today’s game.
Many players and staff in Class AAA prefer the challenge system over traditional umpires or full ABS. The challenge system allows for calls to be overturned based on technology, providing a fair way to review questionable calls. The success rate of challenges in Class AAA games hovers around 50%, with pitchers and catchers having a slightly higher success rate than hitters.
Pitchers have adapted to the ABS strike zone, which has some variations from ballpark to ballpark. The system has forced pitchers to focus on throwing strikes, leading to better pitch control and improved performance. Hitters have also adjusted their approach, becoming more selective at the plate.
There is a strategic element to when to challenge calls, with coaches advising players to save challenges for crucial moments in the game. Some teams choose not to challenge calls in certain situations to preserve challenges for later innings. This decision-making process can be crucial in close games where a single call could make a significant impact.
Overall, the introduction of automated ball-strike systems in baseball reflects the ongoing evolution of the sport and the incorporation of technology to enhance the accuracy of calls. As the debate continues on the best approach to umpiring, players and fans alike are curious to see how these changes will shape the future of the game.