Mets' Juan Soto to Lead ABS Challenge System Strategy in 2026

New York Mets superstar Juan Soto is expected to have a significant advantage with MLB's new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) in 2026. Mets president David Stearns confirmed Soto will likely have the 'green light' to initiate challenges, leveraging his exceptional strike zone judgment. The ABS Challenge System, approved in September, will allow two challenges per team per game. While teams are still developing optimal strategies, Soto's expertise is a key part of the Mets' early approach, with Spring Training providing further experimentation opportunities.