The sun is beginning to shine a little more, and the air is becoming ever so warmer. That can only mean baseball is right around the corner. Indeed, it is; teams have reported to spring training and will begin play later this week. However, the 2026 season will be unlike any other, thanks to the evolving ABS (Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System).
Last year, the ABS was trialed at the major league level during spring training. Teams were allowed to challenge a call made by the umpire at the plate. If they were correct, they could continue using it. If they were wrong, that was it for the team.
After a full season of ABS in the minor leagues, MLB has approved its use in the majors, beginning in 2026. With the implementation of this, a starter of controversy and trusted ally to the at-home viewer will be bidding farewell to all MLB broadcasts.
As ABS enters, broadcasts will lose on-screen strike zones during play.
To prevent any unfair advantages to teams and players using the ABS, all MLB broadcasts will cease use of the strike zone shown during play. The strike zone is something that has slowly been added to each broadcast over the last decade or so. Now, it all comes to an end with the ABS.
The combination of gaining ABS and losing the strikezone is going to be a blessing in disguise for both the umpires and the viewers. As long as the players and teams are correct, ABS will clean up the obscenely bad calls that could determine a game, a series, or even a championship. Plus, the box seen on the television was always unofficial. The borderline calls going one way or another were not always as bad or good as the box made it seem.
Nonetheless, much like managerial ejections, I will miss the decrease of moments like the one below. Shoutout, Kyle Schwarber. I know, man.
When Kyle Schwarber had enough of Angel Hernandez' calling balls and strikes.
— Baseball (@mlbelites_) February 10, 2026
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