Baseball just introduced one of its biggest rule changes in decades.
But Padres superstar Manny Machado already has strong feelings about it—and he isn’t holding back.
SAN DIEGO — Major League Baseball is entering a new technological era in 2026 with the debut of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System, a rule change that allows players to challenge the umpire’s call on balls and strikes.
But while the system promises to bring precision to one of baseball’s most debated elements—the strike zone—not everyone is celebrating.
In fact, San Diego Padres superstar Manny Machado has made it crystal clear he’s not a fan.
“I don’t like it,” Machado said bluntly earlier this spring.
And he didn’t stop there.
“I won’t be that guy,” he added. “It’s already too hard to hit.”
The comments immediately sparked discussion across the baseball world as players, managers, and fans debate how technology should influence the sport.
A Major Change to the Game
The ABS Challenge System represents a significant shift in how baseball handles balls and strikes.
Instead of relying solely on the home plate umpire’s judgment, players now have the ability to challenge questionable calls.
However, the system comes with strict rules.
Only three players can request a challenge:
- the pitcher
- the catcher
- the batter
And the challenge must happen immediately after the pitch—no input from coaches or the dugout.
Each team receives two challenges per game, but there’s an important twist.
If a challenge is successful, the team keeps it.
That means players must be confident before using one, since a failed challenge could cost the team later in the game.
A System Years in the Making
The ABS system isn’t entirely new.
Major League Baseball has been testing it in the minor leagues since 2022, studying how it affects gameplay, strategy, and pace.
Players first experimented with it during spring training in 2025, and the league expanded testing again in 2026 camps.
Now, it’s officially arriving in the regular season.
The system will debut on Opening Night, March 25, when the New York Yankees face the San Francisco Giants in a highly anticipated game streaming on Netflix.
Machado Isn’t Alone in His Doubts
Machado’s criticism reflects a broader debate among players.
Some believe the technology will reduce controversial calls and make the strike zone more consistent.
Others worry it could disrupt the rhythm of the game.
For hitters like Machado, the concern is simple.
Hitting major league pitching is already incredibly difficult.
Adding another layer of technology, he suggests, might make the challenge even greater.
Padres Manager Studying the Strategy
While Machado may not love the system, Padres manager Craig Stammen is focused on understanding how to use it effectively.
Stammen, entering his first season as a manager, says the early testing has already revealed something interesting.
“The strike zone is a little bit different,” Stammen explained.
According to his observations, the top of the zone is being called less often, while the bottom of the strike zone has become more unpredictable.
“The bottom of the zone kind of seems to be the part that is sneaking up on everybody,” Stammen said.
Because of that, the Padres are analyzing trends during spring training to develop a strategy before the regular season begins.
Interestingly, Stammen believes catchers may have a better feel for when to challenge than hitters do.
A New Layer of Strategy
Beyond fairness, the ABS Challenge System could introduce a completely new tactical element to baseball.
Teams must decide:
- When to challenge
- Who should make the challenge
- Whether it’s worth risking one of their limited opportunities
Those decisions could influence close games, particularly in late innings.
And as players become more comfortable with the system, strategies will likely evolve throughout the season.
The Padres’ First Test
The Padres will experience the ABS Challenge System in a real regular-season game on March 26, when they face the Detroit Tigers.
That matchup will feature one of baseball’s toughest pitchers—two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
If the strike zone becomes controversial during that game, Machado and his teammates may get their first real test with the new rule.
Technology Meets Tradition
For more than a century, baseball has relied on the human element of umpires calling balls and strikes.
Now, technology is stepping into that space.
Whether the ABS Challenge System improves the game—or creates new debates—remains to be seen.
But one thing is already certain.
Not every player is convinced it’s the right move.
And Manny Machado isn’t afraid to say it.
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