Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
3mo ago

MLB Keeps Automated Ball‑Strike Challenge System After Positive Midseason Review

Midseason data show about half of ABS challenges reverse calls, prompting the league to keep the system in place for ongoing monitoring and tweaks.

Behind home plate at an MLB event
Apr 23, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; A call is overturned using the automated ball strike (ABS) challenge system during the first inning between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a pair of MLB Automated Ball-Strike AI-powered Hawk-Eye optical tracking cameras mounted behind home plate at Coors Field during the game between the Houston Astros against the Colorado Rockies. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Image

Overview

  • MLB introduced the ABS challenge system for the 2026 season and confirmed at the All‑Star break in mid‑July that the league will continue using it while tracking results.
  • The system uses 12 Hawk‑Eye cameras and a private T‑Mobile 5G network to deliver near‑instant challenge rulings that are shown on the stadium video board and broadcasts.
  • Through the season’s first half there were roughly 6,040 ABS challenges, an average of about 4.2 challenges per game, and about 53% of challenges have been overturned.
  • Success rates differ by role with catchers leading at about 58.7% success, batters near 47.8%, and pitchers about 36.6%, and teams get two challenges per game that are lost if unsuccessful.
  • The league adopted a 2D strike zone placed midway on the plate after player input, a choice that speeds fan presentation but creates some edge cases and has led MLB to test further Hawk‑Eye uses such as a minor‑league check‑swing system.