Spring training will serve as a testing lab for the automated ball-strike challenge system (ABS).
Major League Baseball will have the system in about 60 percent of spring training games.
It wants to determine whether the ABS is viable for the major league level.
Bringing in the automated zone and the opportunity to challenge calls to a league that has used human umpires for decades is controversial, but it’s fair to say the idea has been gaining steam in recent years.
Pitchers stand to be affected negatively by the automated zone, but some batters could see their stats spike as a result.
One of them is Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, who has one of the most well-trained eyes in baseball.
His plate discipline is elite, and he is among the toughest hitters to strike out.
If (or when) the ABS challenge system is implemented in the majors, he could have some otherworldly plate discipline numbers.
“Don’t be surprised when you see some players become even more productive with the addition of an automated ball-strike challenge system. I think Steven Kwan will be one of them,” Codify Baseball wrote on X.
Don't be surprised when you see some players become even more productive with the addition of an automated ball-strike challenge system. I think Steven Kwan will be one of them.@CleGuardians @skwanzaa pic.twitter.com/FZAGeROegW
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) February 20, 2025
The video shows just a few of the egregious calls Kwan had to deal with year after year.
Even with that being the case, he had a solid 9.8 percent walk rate and struck out just 9.4 percent of the time in 2024.
His walk rate could spike into the teens, and his overall offensive production would greatly improve as a result.
Already an underrated hitting star with his 117 career wRC+ (131 in 2024), Kwan might find himself on the basepaths more often.
The Guardians offense could explode if that’s the case.
NEXT: Recent World Series Odds Continue To Disrespect The Guardians
