From the New York Times on the MLB Automated Ball-strike System (ABS), February 20, 2026:

Beginning this season, teams will be granted two challenges of the home-plate umpire’s strike zone each game. A challenge is only lost if the umpire’s call is confirmed. If the game goes to extra innings, any team that opens without any available challenges will be granted an additional challenge. Challenges will be replenished each successive extra inning.

The challenge system will not only create an opportunity to correct bad calls, but, as many around the game acknowledge, it will also introduce a new layer of strategy. Managers and front offices have been gathering to map out the best ways to utilize the new tool. To devise a plan, they’ll use data from spring training and expertise from Triple-A staff members.

“Do you let the pitcher use it? Which pitcher? Which hitters do you trust? Is it catchers only? There are a lot of different ways to think about this.”