MLB’s ABS challenge system move should be a major boon to Yankees batters

Aaron Judge is coming off three of the four best years ever produced in major league history — the lone exception coming in 2023, when a toe injury derailed his season, as well as the Yankees.

And in 2026, he will have another weapon at his disposal that could make him even more dangerous: the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System.

But it’s not just Judge who figures to benefit from the debut of ABS, which will be implemented next year after experimentation in the minor leagues, as well as MLB spring training and the All-Star Game this past year.

Challenges can be initiated by a pitcher, catcher or hitter immediately after a pitch — without any input from the dugout. 

Teams will have two challenges per game and will retain them if they are successful.

For years, the Yankees — and to some extent, Judge — have bemoaned the fact the 6-foot-7 slugger gets more than his fair share of balls outside the zone called strikes, especially on pitches that appear to be below his knees.