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With Spring Training games in full swing, baseball fans are starting to get familiar with the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system. Although ABS isn’t brand new to baseball, as it’s been used in the minor leagues for a few seasons, it will be new to the majors in 2026 — so now is the time to learn all about it.
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On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman give you the history of the ABS challenge system and explain how we’ve gotten to the point where it will be implemented in the game. MLB catcher Garrett Stubbs joins the show to give a catcher’s point of view on how it’s impacting his position, as well as the strategies that come along with challenging calls and the tension it can create with umpires.
Later, Jake and Jordan talk about Rhys Hoskins and Michael Conforto both getting minor league deals and a wave of new injuries plaguing the Minnesota Twins and the Baltimore Orioles. They then close the show by remembering Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski following his passing this weekend.
1:56 – What is the ABS system?
35:48 – Garrett Stubbs gives POV on ABS
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54:19 – Around the League: Minor league deals
1:00:51 – Injury bug is going around
1:05:14 – College baseball happenings
1:11:29 – Remembering Bill Mazeroski
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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