Reds manager Terry Francona butts heads with Rob Manfred over ABS challenge system

Baseball's automated ball-strikes (ABS) system has been wildly popular and successful so far this spring. After implementing the system in the minor leagues, Major League Baseball is rolling out the ABS challenge system during spring training as somewhat of a test run. If all goes well, fans could see it put into effect in the major leagues during the 2026 season.

Fans of the Cincinnati Reds haven't seen the technology used all that much this spring, at least not by their own players. Why? Because Reds manager Terry Francona didn't see the point. Why get used to something that you're not going use? Remember, this is a test run for the 2026 season.

But it seems as if MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and league office in New York don't agree with Francona's stance on the use of the ABS challenge system. According to Francona, the league got wind of the Reds' plans and objected to it.

Reds manager Terry Francona butts heads with Rob Manfred over ABS challenge system

Francona said that MLB officials were really nice about it, but insisted that his players be allowed to use the technology during Cactus League games this spring. "They said, 'We would appreciate it if you would just let your guys do it a few times.' They know how the minor-league kids felt about it. And they want to get some opinions from the major leaguers," Francona said.

Francona relented and agreed to let his catchers challenge a call using ABS if they objected to the umpire's ruling. Francona was adamant that the catchers, not the pitchers, be the ones to challenge the umpire's call on the field.

While it certainly doesn't hurt to have the Reds' catchers use the ABS as they see fit, this is Francona's team. If he wants his players to avoid using the ABS challenge system — something that won't be made available during the 2025 season — why is any of Manfred's business? This feels like a giant overreach on the part of Manfred and the MLB office.

But Francona agreed to toe the company line and acquiesced to MLB's request. Tyler Stephenson challenged a pitch during Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Colorado Rockies and the call was overturned. There ya go, Rob. Are you happy now?

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