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| AP News reported on February 10 that players are returning to the diamond. This spring, teams will focus on two key elements: the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system and the World Baseball Classic (WBC). |
The MLB spring training schedule runs from February 21 to March 25.
Players are gearing up for the introduction of the ABS this season. Unlike the KBO League’s full automation, MLB is implementing a limited “challenge system.” Teams can contest the home plate umpire’s calls, with the ABS providing a second opinion.
Last spring, MLB tested the ABS at 13 training facilities.
Of the 1,182 challenges made, 52.2% resulted in overturned calls, with reviews averaging 13.8 seconds.
The league office green-lit the full ABS rollout for the 2026 season last September.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, a former catcher, predicts a rocky start: “The first month will be tough. Spring training allows for trial and error, but mistakes in the regular season opener could be costly.”
The WBC is another hot topic this spring.
The tournament is scheduled for March 5-17, with games in the U.S., Japan, and Puerto Rico.
Twenty nations will compete, featuring 306 MLB and minor league contracted players, including 78 All-Stars.
Japan, the 2023 champions who defeated the U.S. in the final, are gunning for their fourth title overall and second straight.
Shohei Ohtani, who famously struck out Mike Trout to clinch Japan’s victory, will participate solely as a hitter this time.
U.S. team captain Aaron Judge expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be part of this tournament. We’re aiming high.”
[By Shin Seo-young, Sports Today Reporter sports@stoo.com]
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