The MLB will start implementing the ABS system in the Major Leagues in 2026, and one Mariners reliever is a fan
Major changes are coming to Major League Baseball in 2025.
On Tuesday, the MLB announced it would implement an automated balls and strikes challenge system, which would allow teams to challenge ball and strike calls. The decision was approved in a vote by the Joint Competition Committee. The ABS Challenge System will be used in spring training, the regular season and postseason in 2026.
Each team will have two challenges, and will retain them if their challenges are successful.
The ABS Challenge system was used in spring training this season, and has been tested in Triple-A since 2022.
The potential of an ABS challenge system has had its supporters and detractors over the last several years. The biggest defenders of it have supported the idea a more accurately-called game. Its critics have lamented the subtraction of the "human element" in baseball and speculation the challenges could potentially disrupt the flow of the game.
Seattle Mariners reliever Tayler Saucedo was a player out on the idea of an ABS challenge system. But he's come around.
Saucedo has spent most of the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, and has gotten to experience the challenge system first-hand.
Saucedo shared his thoughts on the system in a post on "X.":
I was always anti ABS but after experiencing it this year this will be a great change and fans will love it as well. Also felt it made umpires better. Doesn’t slow down the game at all and it takes about in total 10 seconds. Pitch clock and ABS are great changes to the game.
Saucedo has been with the Mariners since Jan. 31, 2023. He posted a 2.75 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 19.2 innings pitched across 22 outings in Triple-A this season.
Saucedo has made 10 appearances in the big leagues this year. He fanned 12 batters in 13.1 innings pitched and had a 7.43 ERA.
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