MLB to Adopt ABS; Boone Hopes for Benefit Despite Reservations

Major League Baseball announced it will adopt the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system for next season, implementing a two-challenge limit per team with successful challenges retained. The move marks a major shift in how pitches are called and comes despite vocal skepticism from several managers, including Yankees skipper Aaron Boone, who argued during spring training that the system could lead to extended challenges and disrupt game flow. Boone acknowledged the decision was likely inevitable and said he hoped ABS could prove beneficial for the sport.

Under ABS, only the pitcher, catcher or batter can initiate a challenge on a pitched ball or strike. The league has said the system is designed to speed up the game, not slow it down, and teams that are efficient with their challenges could gain an advantage. Boone himself teased the strategic side of the change, noting that teams may use challenges more selectively in later innings when the most impactful calls can swing outcomes.

"Hopefully it’s something that is a good thing for Major League Baseball. Obviously throughout the year I’ve been a little not totally on board with it or exactly how it’s going to be implemented. But it’s going to be here, and hopefully that’s a good thing." Boone said before clinching a postseason spot with a 3-2 win over the White Sox in The Bronx on Tuesday.

Boone added that the skill of catcher framing is not irrelevant, though the new system could change its value. "The skill is definitely not irrelevant. Does it change it a little? Maybe," Boone said. "I still think [with quality framing] you’re netting yourself a lot of things throughout the game."

"Hopefully you’re in a position to overturn the most impactful calls," Boone said. "I think there’s going to be an advantage to be had by the teams that are good at challenging and strategic about how and when they challenge."

Since data collection began in 2018, Yankees catchers have posted 82 Catcher Framing Runs, the most in the majors, reflecting the franchise’s emphasis on developing catchers adept at framing.

Boone became the second manager in MLB history to reach the postseason in seven of his first eight seasons, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, joining Dave Roberts of the Dodgers.

The Yankees clinched a postseason berth with a 3-2 win over the White Sox in The Bronx on Tuesday, and bullpen work continued to stabilize the team as Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill and Luke Weaver combined to throw three scoreless innings. Yankees relievers have posted a 0.48 ERA over their past six games. Anthony Volpe, who was out of the starting lineup Sunday, returned to shortstop and went 2-for-4 while scoring the game-tying run, continuing to impress with his all-around play since a cortisone shot in his shoulder earlier this month.