Patrick Bailey, the San Francisco Giants’ catcher, excels in pitch framing, leading Major League Baseball (MLB) with a significant margin in metrics that measure his ability to present pitches effectively to umpires. This skill has earned him back-to-back National League Gold Glove Awards, establishing him as one of the most valuable defensive players.
Bailey’s transformation of pitch framing into an art form allows him to maintain high value despite the upcoming implementation of the automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system in 2026. He believes that while the system may affect catchers’ framing value, it won’t eliminate its importance in calling strikes accurately.
The new ABS challenge will allow teams to dispute calls during games, using two challenges per game with a replenishment system for successful calls. Experimentation in the Triple-A league indicated a mixed success rate among players challenging pitches, influencing game dynamics without entirely removing human judgment.
Managers and players shared varied views on the changes, with some believing the challenges could enhance game fairness and others cautioning against unintended consequences. Former catcher AJ Hinch highlighted the need for teams to adjust strategies in light of rule changes.
Overall, while Bailey is adapting to these changes, he remains confident in preserving the art of pitch framing amid evolving game technologies. The introduction of the ABS challenge, while seen as a threat initially, may ultimately create a more strategic environment, affecting how players and teams handle pitches and challenges.
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