Entering this season, the Cleveland Guardians were thought to have a potential advantage regarding the new ABS challenge system. The Guardians have some of the most disciplined hitters in the game, notably Steven Kwan, and one of the top defensive catchers in Austin Hedges.
Their knowledge of the strike zone and the importance of the count was seen as a possible edge, especially when compared to other teams. More than halfway through the campaign, it hasn’t worked out that way.
The Guardians are on the wrong side of an interesting challenge stat, as the hitters are among the worst in the majors in getting a ball-strike call overturned.
“The five most often wrong … Braves, Guardians, Pirates, Nationals, Padres,” Alden Gonzalez posted.
The five offenses correct most often on challenges heading into today …
Astros
Reds
D-backs
A's
RoyalsThe five most often wrong …
Braves
Guardians
Pirates
Nationals
PadresWhat does that tell us? Absolutely nothing.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) July 6, 2026
According to Baseball Savant, the Guardians have won 39 percent of their challenges as the batting team. That is ahead of only the Atlanta Braves, who are last at 37 percent. The San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates are each at 40 percent, and the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels are at 41 percent.
Cleveland’s 100 batting challenges are the eighth most, but their 61 failed challenges are the most in baseball, tied with the Minnesota Twins. The Guardians have avoided just eight strikeouts with a successful challenge, and they have gained seven walks.
The Houston Astros have been far and away the best team at offensive challenges. They have won 68 of their 110 total batter challenges, a 62 percent rate that is well ahead of the second-place Cincinnati Reds at 56 percent.
On the other side, when pitchers or catchers challenge, the Guardians are also among the worst teams. They rank third-to-last at 47 percent, ahead of only the Chicago White Sox at 46 percent and the Pirates at 41 percent.
Cleveland’s 91 challenges as the pitching team are tied for 18th, well behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who have the most at 142. Among the Guardians’ 43 successful challenges, they have gained 12 strikeouts but have eliminated only two walks.
Clearly, some teams have adapted better than others, but the Guardians surely would like to improve their performance as the season moves along.
NEXT: Guardians Star Could Still Be Poised For A Big Second Half
