From the king of ABS to the teams that are best --...
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- MLB has rolled out a brand‑new automated ball‑strike (ABS) challenge system that fans already treat as a regular part of the game, according to Rays manager Kevin Cash.
- Minnesota Twins have issued the most ABS challenges (124), while Boston Red Sox have issued the fewest (63), highlighting a large disparity in team usage.
- Miami Marlins lead MLB in defender‑initiated challenges (90, mostly by catchers), whereas Baltimore Orioles are among the top teams in hitter‑initiated challenges (tied for sixth), showing divergent strategic approaches.
- Statcast run‑value analysis shows the Twins and Colorado Rockies are +4.4 runs above expectation from challenges, while the Texas Rangers are –1.6 runs, a six‑run swing that could translate to roughly three wins over a full season.
- Catchers appear to be the early victims of ABS, as the system’s early data indicate they are most affected by the new call‑review process.
Why it matters: Teams that challenge more, like the Twins, gain an estimated 0.5 win per season, while low‑challenging clubs such as the Red Sox miss out on potential victories; catchers face increased scrutiny.
