As the 2026 MLB season unfolds, the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System is already making waves in the game. Though still early in the season, it has prompted discussions on its impact, particularly regarding how players utilize it. While some players adapt quickly to the new system, others have surprisingly struggled, raising questions about their decisions to challenge calls. In this article, we take a closer look at eight players whose ABS privileges might need reevaluation based on their challenge records.

The Pitching Struggle: Gregory Soto

Among pitchers, Gregory Soto of the Philadelphia Phillies has emerged as a prime example of ABS misuse. With a dismal record of 0-for-3 in challenges, Soto's inability to accurately gauge the strike zone comes into question. Comparatively, New York Yankees ace Max Fried presents a stark contrast, having succeeded in 2 out of 3 challenges. Soto has thrown significantly fewer pitches than Fried, making his poor challenge performance even more glaring. Given his track record, it might be time for Soto to rethink his approach to the ABS system.

Catchers on the Hot Seat: Samuel Basallo and Edgar Quero

Turning to catchers, Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles finds himself on the wrong side of the challenge spectrum. With only 11 percent of challenges converted, he ranks at the bottom among catchers who have had reasonable opportunities. His 10 unsuccessful challenges paint a picture of inconsistency, with three missed calls that weren’t even particularly close. Many coaches would argue that Basallo should be challenging more, but the reality is clear: his judgment at the plate leaves much to be desired.

Edgar Quero, another catcher for the Los Angeles Angels, hasn’t fared much better. He leads all catchers in lost challenges, having won just 18 out of 42 attempts—a record that speaks to a questionable understanding of the strike zone. Despite his experience, Quero’s missed calls include several egregious errors, such as a futile challenge of a fastball that was clearly outside the zone. This inconsistency raises concerns about his ability to utilize the ABS effectively.

Hitters Struggling with ABS: Dane Myers and Mauricio Dubón

On the hitting side, Dane Myers of the Cincinnati Reds is another player facing scrutiny. With only one successful challenge out of six attempts, Myers has lost more calls than most players. Notably, his failed challenges have come in the heart of the strike zone, suggesting a disconnect between his performance and his understanding of the game. As a hitter with a career OPS+ of 81, the Reds may need to reconsider his ABS privileges if this trend continues.

Mauricio Dubón of the Houston Astros shares a similar tale. While his current OPS+ is decent at 111, he has struggled to translate reasonable challenge opportunities into successful calls. Out of 18 reasonable chances, only four have resulted in successful challenges, evidencing a tendency to make poor choices in calling for challenges. This lack of execution is disappointing, particularly given that players of his caliber should excel in utilizing the technologies available to them.

Catcher to Challenger: Gary Sánchez’s Missteps

Gary Sánchez, now with the Milwaukee Brewers, is another player defying expectations when it comes to the ABS Challenge System. Despite having only appeared in 26 of 37 games, he leads all hitters with 14 challenges, a surprising number considering his limited plate appearances. With eight unsuccessful challenges, Sánchez’s decision-making as a former catcher raises eyebrows. Most of his challenges come against pitches around the outer edge of the plate, where he has lost the majority. One would expect a catcher to possess a good understanding of the strike zone, yet Sánchez is underwhelming in converting challenges into successful outcomes.

Nolan Schanuel: A Promising Rookie in Trouble

While Sánchez’s challenges may reflect lackluster judgment, Nolan Schanuel has only managed to win 3 out of 11 challenges despite having solid walk rates throughout his career. The recent season has seen a decline in his ability to perceive his strike zone correctly, resulting in a significant drop in walk rate. For a player showing promise, it bears noting that Schanuel’s challenges highlight the adjustment period many players face while adapting to the ABS system.

The Case of James Wood: Height Doesn’t Equal Success

Lastly, James Wood, standing at 6’6”, has struggled dramatically with the challenge system, achieving just one success out of nine challenges. His -4.8 rate of expected vs. actual overturns is the lowest in the league, suggesting a need for reevaluation of how he interprets pitches. Like Schanuel, it seems that Wood may also be grappling with understanding his own strike zone, which can often differ from the standard due to height.

The first quarter of the 2026 MLB season has revealed a plethora of players grappling with the transition to the ABS Challenge System. While some players adapt quickly, others might require a serious reevaluation of their approach to challenges. As the season progresses, it will be essential for these athletes to refine their decision-making skills and ensure they leverage this new technology effectively. Time will tell how these players will adjust and whether the system will continue to refine the game as intended.