MLB has made several significant rule changes in recent years, from the automatic runner in extra innings to adding a pitch clock.
Another change is coming next year, as MLB announced earlier this week that it will implement the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System full-time in 2026. The rule, which was used in Spring Training earlier this year and has been tested in Triple-A, allows teams to challenge balls and strikes, which was not allowed under previous replay reviews.
Similar to the challenge system in the NFL, teams start each game with two challenges, which can only be used by the batter, pitcher or catcher. If they successfully challenge a call, they get to keep their challenge. If the challenge is unsuccessful, they lose it.
The change is expected to help protect players from bad umpiring calls, especially veteran hitters with good plate discipline and strike zone knowledge.
Given that, which Pittsburgh Pirates player will benefit most from the new rule?
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Former Pirates players Steven Brault and Michael McKenry believe Andrew McCutchen — who played with both of them — will benefit the most from the new system.
“He’s one of the guys that’s been hurt the most without it. His OPS is gonna go up 30-40 points just with this thing coming into play,” McKenry said on Friday’s episode of “Bucs’ Bounty.”
Brault agreed, adding that McCutchen “probably does have the best eye I’ve ever seen in person.”
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McCutchen, 38, has always had a great batting eye ever since he debuted in 2009. It’s still as sharp as ever after 17 MLB seasons, as his 12.1% walk rate this year is right in line with his career 12.2% walk rate.
The former NL MVP is going to be a free agent this winter, however, so it’s unclear if he’ll be back with Pittsburgh in 2026. He’s said he’s interested in playing next year, but he may leave in free agency or decide to retire.
If McCutchen does come back, the ABS system could give his numbers a boost and help him stay productive at age 39.
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Featured image via David Frerker/Imagn Images