"As the hot stove season plays out and we wait to see where the top remaining free agents sign, MLB teams are already looking ahead to how they'll use a major rule change coming to the sport in the new season. After more than a decade of the video review challenge system being used for plays on the bases, MLB is set to do the same for balls and strikes. Beginning in 2026, the batter, catcher or pitcher will be allowed to challenge a ball/strike call made by the home plate umpire, utilizing a system that's been in use in the minor leagues for several seasons."
"Teams are initially allowed two challenges per game, and if successful, they can keep challenging. But after losing two, they are out of luck for the rest of the game. Those parameters open the door for strategic use of challenges. Managers undoubtedly won't want to lose their two challenges early -- especially in low-leverage moments -- only to need them later when the game is on the line."
"Since only the pitcher, catcher or batter can ask for a challenge -- and by rule it has to happen instantaneously, meaning no time to look at a monitor and signal in instructions -- managers are going to prep their teams ahead of time on when it is best to use a challenge."
Major League Baseball will introduce an electronic challenge system for balls and strikes beginning in 2026, using a minor-league model. Each team will have two challenges per game; successful challenges allow continued challenges, while two failed challenges remove further challenge opportunities. Only the batter, catcher or pitcher may initiate a challenge, and challenges must be made instantaneously, with no time to consult a monitor. Managers are preparing specific challenge strategies to avoid wasting challenges in low-leverage moments. Many managers are likely to restrict which players can initiate challenges and will emphasize situational discipline.
Read at ESPN.com
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