While many eagle-eyed players have welcomed their new ability to challenge balls and strikes calls in spring training games this year, the Cincinnati Reds aren’t joining in the fun.
Manager Terry Francona told reporters last Friday that he doesn’t want his major leaguers initiating the challenges because they won’t have that option during the 2025 regular season.
MLB has implemented a trial program this spring in which a pitcher, catcher or batter can call for a replay review of an umpire’s ball or strike call they disagree with. The Automatic Balls and Strikes (ABS) system has previously been used in the minor leagues and the challenge provision will be in place throughout the Class AAA level this coming season, but its use in the majors is at least another year away.
“I’m OK with seeing our younger kids do it because they’ve done it,” Francona said. “It’s not a strategy for (the MLB teams), so why work on it? I don’t want to make a farce of anything, but we’re here getting ready for a season and that’s not helping us get ready.”
Not every spring training ballpark has access to the new ABS system. In Arizona, the five dual-team stadiums (including the Reds’ and Cleveland Guardians‘ home in Goodyear) have it. In Florida, eight different parks are equipped with ABS technology.
