Chris Sale rejects the ABS System: "I'm not an umpire, it's their job"

Chris Sale and His Firm Stance Against the ABS Challenge System

Star pitcher Chris Sale has expressed his firm stance regarding the implementation of the ABS Challenge System in Major League Baseball. Sale, known for his intense competitiveness and nine All-Star Game selections, as well as being the National League Cy Young winner in 2024, has made it clear that he will not use this system under any circumstances.

I am not an umpire. That’s their job. I am a starting pitcher. I have never called balls and strikes in my life.
Chris Sale

This decision, far from being a simple disinterest, responds to his mentality on the mound. He considers himself “greedy” and believes that all pitches should be considered strikes. Additionally, the pitcher values the work of his catchers on the Atlanta Braves, highlighting the ability of Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin for “framing”, a technique that can influence umpire decisions without needing to resort to the automated system. Sale has also expressed concern about the possibility of failing a challenge and leaving his team without the opportunity for review at crucial moments in the game.

Teams That Have Improved the Most Heading Into the 2026 Season

With the 2026 season approaching and free agency practically closed, the analysis of projections indicates that several teams have taken significant steps compared to the beginning of the campaign break.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Philadelphia Phillies
Boston Red Sox
Baltimore Orioles
Toronto Blue Jays
Detroit Tigers
Chicago Cubs
San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies
New York Mets

The criteria used for this evaluation is not based on which team is better in absolute terms, but on how much their projection improved compared to the beginning of the winter market. This includes both new acquisitions and the retention of key figures. Meanwhile, the adaptation to the ABS Challenge System will be one of the stories to follow during the campaign. In Chris Sale’s case, his position is clear: he will trust his repertoire and the umpires’ judgment, without resorting to technology to defend his pitches.