"More than half of the '25 spring training matches feature debut of strike zone challenges"

A gesture of respect or acknowledgement has taken on a new significance in the 2025 spring training season.

In a majority of spring training games over the next six weeks, Major League Baseball is implementing the Automated Ball-Strike System, allowing each team two opportunities to challenge a called ball or strike in real time.

Challenges can only be initiated by the batter, catcher, or pitcher immediately after the home plate umpire makes a call or signal for a ball or strike. Managers and players in the dugout are not allowed to request a review.

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Once a challenge is made, the umpire will review the play using Hawk-Eye Technology, with the replay also being shown on stadium video boards and broadcast feeds. According to MLB, their research has shown that a strike zone challenge typically adds 17 seconds to a game.

During the 2024 minor league season, 51 percent of player-initiated challenges were successful in overturning the original call.

The Automated Ball-Strike System uses precise measurements to create a digitized strike zone, with the goal of having a uniform strike zone for every batter. The depth of the zone is also standardized, eliminating any discrepancies for offspeed or breaking pitches.

This technology was first used in the Independent Atlantic League in 2019 and has since been implemented in most Triple-A stadiums. The ABS challenge system is being trialed by MLB this spring.

The technology used in the ABS is also utilized in Statcast products, which track various aspects of the game such as ball flight, pitch location and speed, and bat speed.

The ABS challenge system will also be used in the minor leagues in 2025, but there are currently no plans to implement it in the regular season.

Thirteen ballparks have the necessary technology and video replay capabilities to participate in the challenge system trial during spring training, while ten sites will not be involved.

In the Grapefruit League, the following Florida spring training sites will be using the challenge system: TD Ballpark (Blue Jays), BayCare Ballpark (Phillies), George M. Steinbrenner Field (Yankees), Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium (Tigers), LECOM Park (Pirates), Hammond Stadium (Twins), Clover Park (Mets), and Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium (Cardinals and Marlins).

In Arizona, the following Cactus League sites will be participating in ball-strike challenges: Peoria Sports Complex (Padres, Mariners), Salt River Fields (Diamondbacks, Rockies), Camelback Ranch (Dodgers, White Sox), Surprise Stadium (Rangers, Royals), and Goodyear Ballpark (Guardians, Reds).