MLB's new automated strike zone has a hidden feature helping umpires become more accurate than ever

ABS has made baseball better

Ahead of the 2026 regular season, Major League Baseball incorporated the automated balls and strikes system. Designed to prevent egregious missed calls from impacting games, as they all too often have, it’s generally worked as expected.

There’s a new element of strategy to using your two challenges. Already, we’ve seen game outcomes change on overturned calls as hitters are given another chance or pitchers get out of an inning with a well-timed challenge. It’s also created some unexpected outcomes, particularly with walk rates. Along with the challenge system, MLB redefined the strike zone ahead of 2026 based on the height of the hitter.

Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals signals for an ABS challenge against home plate umpire Alex Tosi during the fifth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on March 30, 2026. (Mikayla Schlosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Umpires, more wary of having their calls overturned, and more aware of the new strike zone, have called fewer strikes. Hitters, clearly aware of that trend, have become more patient. And it’s led to a record-setting pace for walks throughout the league.

MLB'S NEW AUTOMATED STRIKE ZONE HAS CREATED A MASSIVE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE FOR HITTERS AND PITCHERS

Along with those changes, umpires have also become more accurate than ever. And it turns out, the new ABS system has made that possible too.

Home plate umpire Dexter Kelley pauses for an ABS challenge during the fifth inning of the game between the Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn., on April 29, 2026. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Jeff Passan from ESPN joined "The Rich Eisen Show" recently, and