MLB’s automated ball-strike system debuted at the 2025 All-Star Game, with a much larger crowd in the stands than a typical spring training test. Now, halfway through its inaugural season, ABS has been met with a largely positive reception heading into Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic.
The first 5,839 challenge attempts have produced 53% overturns through July 9 games. Batters have a 48% overturn rate through 2,723 attempts. Catchers-pitchers have a 58% overturn rate through 3,116 attempts. Other ABS findings:
The Astros have been the most successful ABS batting team on a percentage basis, winning 62% of their 110 challenges. The Braves rank 30th with a 35% win rate on 80 challenges (30th).The Rangers have been most successful with catchers/pitchers, winning 73% of their 100 challenges — the Pirates the least successful with a 40% win rate on 78 challenges.Sal Stewart (Reds) has the most successful challenges among batters (23). Jose Altuve (Astros) is second (15). Tyler Stephenson (Reds) and William Contreras (Brewers) are tied for the most successful challenges among catchers with 58 each. Stephenson’s success rate is 73.4% compared to 52.7% for Contreras. The Reds are first in ESPN’s total success percentage, which combines batter and catcher-pitcher success rates (64.6%).Among umpires, Derek Thomas has an overturn rate of 33.3% across 48 challenges and 3,311 pitches (first among 91 umpires). CB Bucknor had an overturn rate of 77.8% across nine challenges and 674 pitches (last). Bucknor is among seven umpires that have accepted buyouts and are set to retire at season’s end, USA Today reported.
SBJ examined the business impact of ABS in May.