Over the past two seasons I’ve had a front-row seat to something new — the ABS challenge system for balls and strikes.
While working with players in AAA, I saw it rolled out in real games, not just as a headline or a test in a lab. I watched how umpires adjusted, how hitters reacted, and how entire dugouts responded when the strike zone suddenly had a backup system on the scoreboard.
At first, I expected it to slow the game down or make umpires less sharp. But the opposite happened. The more I saw it in action, the more I realized it was changing the game in ways that matter for coaches and players alike.
Now that MLB has announced ABS will go live in 2026, those lessons from AAA deserve attention. What I saw wasn’t just about getting calls right — it was about accountability, development, and how we train players to compete.
4 Changes I Didn’t Expect from the ABS Challenge System
1) Umpires actually improved
Instead of relying on tradition or feel, umpires got objective feedback on accuracy—and used it. The result was tighter, more consistent zones. The feedback loop didn’t create dependency; it created refinement.
Coaching takeaway: the strike zone our hitters are learning against is more reliable. Over time, better zones mean cleaner adjustments and better swing decisions.
2) Players had to face their own strike-zone judgment
A surprise: the loudest critics of the strike zone often had the weakest zone awareness. With challenges, the blame game dried up. Either you let it go, or you challenged—and learned. Many realized their personal “feel” didn’t match the zone.
Coaching takeaway: build specific training around zone discipline. Use fair/ball grids, elevated & off-edge tee reps, and mixed pitch tracking in cages. Film + feedback + accountability beats opinion.
3) The dugout got quieter (in a good way)
Complaining about balls and strikes can consume a dugout. With challenges, that background noise dropped. Players focused more on competing; coaches coached more and argued less. That shift in attention matters over nine innings.
Coaching takeaway: set a standard: “Compete, then challenge if needed.” Protect mental energy. Model calm. It compounds.
4) Critical calls mattered less
The ABS challenge system won’t make every call perfect, but it reduces the odds that a razor-thin pitch flips a game. That protects players, coaches, and umpires—and lets execution decide outcomes more often.
Coaching takeaway: in leverage counts, prepare hitters to make confident decisions on the edges. Fewer “bad call” outcomes means more games hinge on your plan and your reps.
Final Thoughts
The big picture: ABS challenges are good for player development and good for the game. They keep umpires accountable, surface real strike-zone learning, reduce distractions, and add fairness in the most important moments. For coaches, the mandate is clear—train zone awareness and decision-making, because the excuses are running out.
About the Author
Doug Bernier is a former professional infielder whose career spanned 16 seasons with the Twins, Yankees, Rockies, Pirates, and Rangers. He is currently the Colorado Rockies Minor League Field & Infield Coordinator and the founder of Pro Baseball Insider, where he helps players, parents, and coaches learn the game at a higher level.
Doug Bernier – Former Pro Infielder (16 Seasons – Twins, Yankees, Rockies, Pirates, Rangers)
Current Colorado Rockies Minor League Field & Infield Coordinator
Founder, Pro Baseball Insider