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Sale Refuses to Use New MLB Challenge System
14 Feb
Summary
- Chris Sale will not use the new MLB Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System.
- The challenge system allows teams two challenges per game for pitch calls.
- Sale believes umpires should handle pitch calls, not players.
Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale has announced his refusal to utilize the new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) in the upcoming 2026 MLB season. The system allows each team two challenges per game, initiated by the pitcher, catcher, or hitter by tapping their head, to dispute an umpire's pitch call.
Sale expressed his firm stance, stating, "I will never challenge a pitch," emphasizing that his role is as a pitcher, not an umpire. He believes catchers' skills often make borderline pitches appear as strikes, and he doesn't want to waste a challenge on a call that might be needed later. This system, previously used in minor league games and the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, is now being implemented at the major league level.
Sale, a nine-time All-Star, had a strong 2025 season with a 2.58 ERA and 165 strikeouts despite missing time due to injury. He was acquired by the Braves from the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2023-24 offseason. The Braves are looking to rebound after a losing season in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
