As the hot stove season plays out and we wait to see where the top remaining free agents sign, MLB teams are already looking ahead to how they'll use a major rule change coming to the sport in the new season.
After more than a decade of the video review challenge system being used for plays on the bases, MLB is set to do the same for balls and strikes. Beginning in 2026, the batter, catcher or pitcher will be allowed to challenge a ball/strike call made by the home plate umpire, utilizing a system that's been in use in the minor leagues for several seasons.