The Cleveland Guardians don’t have much firepower in their offense as currently constructed. As such, Stephen Vogt will have to make the most of every single edge they can get to find success at the plate. That’s why, even though some fans might not like that technology continues to make its way into the game, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System might actually be a good thing, especially for a team like the Guardians.
When asked about that, Vogt claimed that several players will benefit from the ability to challenge calls, and that should definitely be the case with Steven Kwan:
“The one thing with ABS, I think it’s going to help some guys really clean up their judgment of the strike zone. Paying attention to it and having the ability to challenge, I think, could really help with swing decisions. But I definitely think Kwan will benefit from it a lot,” Vogt said.
Kwan has yet to take another step forward as an offensive force, but this should help him get on base more often. He’s been on the wrong end of some terrible calls, and given his discipline and intelligence, he should be the type of player who will use this system wisely and when it has to be used.
Of course, that will only benefit the Guardians if they actually hold onto Kwan. He’s been tangled up in multiple trade rumors dating back to last season, and he has yet to get the contract extension he wants and deserves. Kwan is signed through the 2027 season, and he’s on a pretty reasonable deal, so it’s not like the Guardians should be in any type of rush to part ways with him.
That being said, the Guardians will have to consider all their options if they get off to a slow start to the season.
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