(670 The Score) Major League Baseball will implement an automated ball-strike challenge system beginning in the 2026 regular season, marking a significant change for the sport.
Teams will have two challenges per game and will retain those if successful. Only a pitcher, catcher or hitter can request a challenge as part of the new rule.
Appearing on the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show on Tuesday at Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern, Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner shared mixed feelings about the news. He likes the idea of a challenge system but is fearful it will lead to a fully automated strike zone in the future, which he doesn't support at this time.
“I think the challenge system is going to be effective and kind of entertaining,” Hoerner said. “I’m wary of it just because I think going fully robot, I’m not a fan of that personally. I think if you have a catcher back there and he sets up in the middle of the plate and catches it, it doesn’t matter how he frames it, it’s going to look ugly aesthetically. I like framing. It’s satisfying when a pitcher hits a spot. You can have a catcher just set up in a throwing stance behind the plate with a runner on base and it doesn’t matter how they catch it.
“I think it’s going to create some really interesting team dynamics when a guy challenges a borderline call with two outs and no one out in the second inning and screws the rest of the lineup. The only people who can challenge are the pitcher, catcher and hitter. So, there’s no looking into the dugout. It's up to you. A lot of guys, you better put your money where your mouth is – there's no complaining.”
MLB tested the ABS challenge system during spring training and in the All-Star Game this year. It has also been tested in the minor leagues during recent years.
The Cubs will open a three-game series against the Mets on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. CT. You can listen to the game on 670 The Score and the Audacy app.