Fansided · Sep 23, 2025
MLB's new ABS challenge system will only make J.T. Realmuto even more valuable
Philadelphia Phillies v Arizona Diamondbacks | Chris Coduto/GettyImagesSince baseball has existed, umpires have been missing calls. It has only been recently that we've had the technology to see how egregious some of the missed ball and strike calls are. Now, Major League Baseball has finally caved to the pressure and will be instituting an Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) beginning in 2026, the league announced on Tuesday, per Anthony Castrovince.
How does this affect the Philadelphia Phillies with starting catcher J.T. Realmuto a free agent after the season? The 34-year-old Realmuto will be looking to secure another contract this winter, whether with the Phillies or elsewhere.