Major League Baseball is making a massive change for the upcoming 2026 MLB season. For the entire history of MLB, arguing balls and strikes was impossible for the hitter, catcher, pitcher, or manager.
But now, thanks to ABS (the automated ball-strike challenge system), umpires can have their ball and strike calls challenged by players. While not arguing with the umpire, the players will now have the ability to challenge a pitch they deem wasn't what the umpire called it.
For Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson, this change is one he views very highly. As Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic shares, Thomson didn't hold back when expressing how much he likes ABS coming to the Majors in 2026.
Rob Thomson is a big fan of ABS coming to MLB in 2026
"I loved it in spring training," Thomson said. "... It keeps everybody accountable. It keeps everybody on their toes. I do like the added challenge during extra innings. I thought the umpires were really locked in during spring training. Hitters were really locked in during spring training. I thought it was great."
It's a massive change for Major League Baseball to make, but in recent history, they're no strangers to huge changes. They've altered the postseason field, changed the size of the bases, banned extreme shifts in the infield, and most prominently, added the pitch clock.
All of these changes have been viewed positively so far, despite facing some initial backlash. For ABS, there are still those who aren't fully bought in. "Not all the players, but most of the players, if you asked them, they really liked it too," Thomson said.
It's a divisive issue, as it completely changes the dynamic behind the plate, between the catcher, batter, and the umpire. Some team in 2026 will figure it out and utilize it to its fullest. But for now, there can only be guesses about how it'll play out in the Majors.
MORE: Phillies' Kyle Schwarber receives $35 million free agent prediction
ABS has been a success in the minors so far, and while the Majors are a different matter, the success in the minor leagues is a huge reason for the implementation of ABS into the Major Leagues.
Thomson is a huge fan of ABS, and it's easy to see why. ABS will allow for batters to challenge pitches that were balls, but called strikes. It'd extend at-bats and could even result in massive swings during games, depending on the situation.
For Thomson, someone who's a baseball lifer, this change is another aspect of the game that he can look to benefit from, just as he's done with the Phillies bullpen and platoon in 2025.
The 2026 season is coming up, but for now, the Phillies have a date in the postseason, and potentially, with a first-round bye on tap as well. They'll most likely play either the New York Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. While Thomson is looking forward to ABS in 2026, he won't get to utilize it during this postseason.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Phillies get good news on potential Kyle Schwarber free agent market
- Cubs' legend shares insights on Pete Crow-Armstrong's performance and potential
- Guardians' Jose Ramirez on pace to join Hank Aaron in incredible MLB history
- Cardinals' outfielder's job may be in jeopardy if poor play continues
- Yankees' Aaron Judge responds to arm strength concerns after return to outfield