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In MLB’s 2026 ABS Challenge System, a player can challenge only the home-plate umpire’s initial call of ball or strike on a pitch the batter did not swing at. The batter, pitcher or catcher involved may request a review; checked swings and other rulings are not challengeable under this system.
Which calls qualify for an ABS challenge?
The system reviews whether a called pitch was a ball or a strike under MLB’s automated strike-zone measurements. A called ball may be challenged by the pitcher or catcher; a called strike may be challenged by the batter. The call must be the umpire’s initial ruling, and the team making the challenge must have one available.
- Called ball: the pitcher or catcher may challenge.
- Called strike: the batter may challenge.
- Swing: a pitch the batter swung at is not eligible, including a checked swing.
ABS challenges do not cover other kinds of calls. They are not a general-purpose way to review a play or overturn a ruling elsewhere on the field.
Who can issue a challenge?
Only the batter, pitcher or catcher involved in the pitch may initiate the challenge. A manager, coach, another player or someone in the dugout cannot request it or assist the player in making the request.
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- VERSATILE FIELD USE | Designed as a baseball or softball catcher’s mask or umpire face mask for dependable coverage behind the plate
- HIGH VISIBILITY | Open wire cage design helps maintain clear sightlines behind the plate without compromising coverage
- SOLID WIRE CONSTRUCTION | Solid steel wire cage provides a sturdy design for catchers and home plate umpires
- COMFORTABLE FIT | Combination leather and cross-woven interior lining helps enhance comfort and moisture absorption, while the adjustable PWMH harness provides a secure fit
- MOISTURE ABSORPTION | Interior covering helps absorb moisture while working innings behind the plate
How long do players have to issue a challenge?
The player must signal immediately after the ball-or-strike call. MLB describes the usual window as roughly two seconds. The player taps their cap or helmet to make the official signal; saying that they are challenging is encouraged, but the tap is the operative gesture.
If a play begins after the pitch, the player may wait until that play has concluded before making the request. The opportunity is still tied to the original call: it is not an open-ended chance to challenge later in the at-bat.
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How many challenges does each team get?
Each team begins with two challenges. A successful challenge is retained, while a confirmed call uses one. In extra innings, a team receives one additional challenge if it enters that inning with none remaining. A team that enters the 10th inning with one challenge does not receive another at that point.
When is an ABS challenge unavailable?
A challenge cannot be made if the pitch was swung at, the team has no challenge left, or ABS cannot operate because of a technical problem. Challenges are also excluded when a position player is pitching.
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- Sized for adult players
- Extended throat and ear guard for extra protection
- Harness included which holds mask in place
- Color: Black
How does ABS decide whether the pitch was a ball or strike?
MLB describes the zone as 17 inches wide, evaluated as the ball passes the middle of home plate. Its top is 53.5% of the batter’s measured height and its bottom is 27%. If any part of the ball touches any part of that batter-specific zone, the pitch is a strike. MLB says player heights are independently measured and certified.
MLB’s announcement describes 12 Hawk-Eye cameras positioned around the field. The result appears on the ballpark scoreboard and broadcast. The announcement says a review takes approximately 15 seconds; MLB separately reported an average of 13.8 seconds during its 2025 Spring Training experiment. Those are different descriptions, not a promise that every review will take the same amount of time.
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- REINFORCED STEEL CAGE Hollow wire construction provides maximum protection while keeping the mask lightweight
- ADJUSTABLE HARNESS Elastic straps with quick-release buckles ensure a secure fit for any head size
- ENHANCED PROTECTION Forehead, ear, and throat guards shield vulnerable areas during play
- ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT Weighs only 18 oz for comfortable all-day use without compromising safety
- PREMIUM MATERIALS Available in Black or Silver; EverClean– leather with sweat-wicking interior padding
What did MLB report from the 2025 Spring Training experiment?
MLB’s figures below describe its 288-game 2025 Spring Training experiment, not a guarantee of 2026 outcomes.
| Measure | Reported result | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Challenges overturning the call | 52.2% | MLB report for the 288-game experiment |
| Challenges per game | 4.1 on average | MLB report for the 288-game experiment |
| Challenge duration | 13.8 seconds on average | MLB report for the 288-game experiment; not a guaranteed review time |
| Success by role | Catchers: 56%; hitters: 50%; pitchers: 41% | MLB report for the same experiment |
The rules and system details here are season-specific to MLB’s 2026 system.
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