Astros' plans for how to use the new ABS system include a surprising wrinkle

Sep 19, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) and Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (21) walk to the dugout prior to the game against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images2026 will be a big year for the sport of baseball. The upcoming World Baseball Classic and possible labor stoppage have been dominating headlines due to their sheer scale of impact, but at the end of last season, it was announced that it would also be the first season to see the adoption of the Automated Ball-Strike System.

The name might lead you to believe that it removes the need for home plate umpires…