Reds take surprising stance on MLB's new ABS strike system

The robo-umps have officially arrived, but not every player on the Cincinnati Reds roster will be able to use the new challenge system. Though Major League Baseball's new automated balls and strikes (ABS) system, will be implemented league-wide in 2026, Reds fans shouldn't expect to see Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, or any other pitcher ask for a review.

According to manager Terry Francona, Reds pitchers will not be given the green light to challenge balls and strikes. The Reds catchers will have the freedom to challenge, and thanks to Trackman technology, have been receiving real-time information this spring.

"When the (spring training) games start, we'll allow the hitters to do it, and the catchers," Francona told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "If we see things that arise, we'll try to use it to our advantage, but I don't care if somebody messes up in spring."

Terry Francona will not allow Reds pitchers to use MLB's new ABS challenge system

When the regular season starts, however, expect Francona to have a bit more of a discerning view of the ABS system. Each team receives two challenges per game that can come from the pitcher, catcher, or batter — no one from the dugout may assist. Any unsuccessful objection will result in the team losing a challenge, making the next border-line protest all the more valuable.

This will be a fascinating story to follow this season. Will Francona allow every Reds batter the ability to challenge a ball or strike call? Elly De La Cruz, yes. Blake Dunn, not too sure. Will Tito allow it in any situation or only at a specific time during the game? A missed call in the bottom of the second inning with the score tied 0-0 is a lot less impactful than one that comes in the bottom of the eighth with runners on the corners and two outs.

This is where the strategy comes in, and it's why the team's use during spring training could be invaluable once the regular season gets underway. Most Reds fans will probably recall that Francona didn't permit his players to challenge balls and strikes during Cactus League play last season because it wasn't something they were going to use during the regular season. That changes this year.