MLB announced on September 23 that it will introduce the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) for the 2026 season. The ability to challenge umpire rulings could both benefit and hurt pitchers and batters, but catchers could see some big changes in their stats, particularly for good framers.
Catchers who excel at stealing strikes could have some of their better snags challenged by batters, including breakout Boston Red Sox rookie, Carlos Narváez. The 26-year-old ranks in the 85th percentile in framing ability, and that aspect of his elite defensive status could be affected by the implementation of the ABS system.