Hawk-eye technology has finally reached the big leagues.
MLB will use the ABS Challenge System starting in 2026. Teams will be allowed two challenges per game unless the challenge is successful, then the team gets their challenge back. Only the pitcher, catcher or batter may use the challenge. No help from the dugout is allowed. The ABS Challenge System will utilize Hawk-eye technology, the same technology currently used in pro soccer and tennis, to create an individual strike zone for every batter based on their recorded height in Spring Training.
The system has been tried out in the minors since 2019, with rules officials testing the rules before cementing the ones just announced. The system was also used this past Spring Training. When asked on his opinion on the new ABS system, manager Dave Roberts said, “I think it’s great. I think the fans enjoyed it in spring training. I think there’s a strategy with when you use your challenges. And I also think it helps raise the consistency of umpires.”
According to Bob Nightengake on X, only 7 teams opposed the challenge, with the other 23 in favor.
Catcher Ben Rortvedt mentioned that the Challenge System might make him a better player. “I’m interested to see my value and how it’s affected with my receiving grades. It’s going to matter, but it’s marginal.”
Reliever Will Klein was more pessimistic, “I’m sure they wouldn’t bring it to the majors if it wasn’t perfect.” He continued, “My thing was I didn’t like how short the box was in the minors. It always felt like the ABS strike zone would start at the batters belt, so we’ll see if it’s fixed in Spring Training.”
The challenge system was voted on by the Joint Competition Committee on Tuesday afternoon. A full breakdown of the ABS Challenge System can be found here.
By: Holden Hartle
