There is a significant change coming to MLB games this season, and the Cleveland Guardians could be in an excellent position to take full advantage of it. A challenge system for balls and strikes will be implemented, which is likely to pay off for some of the more selective hitters in the game.
Fortunately for the Guardians, they have one of the best in Steven Kwan. The All-Star outfielder is regarded as an elite contact hitter with an excellent knowledge of the strike zone, two components that should work to his advantage with the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System.
Kwan recently revealed how the new challenge system benefits him, specifically with regard to his approach at the plate.
“I think [the new ABS challenge system] allows me to execute that plan more often, because obviously, our idea is swing at strikes and when it’s in your zone, swing as hard as you can, (and) take the balls,” Kwan said. “So then when it goes awry, it’s like, ‘I took the ball that got called a strike, now I have to switch my plan.’ Now I can just be more convicted in that plan and not worry about the externals.”
Under the new rules, each team gets two challenges per game, which can be requested by the batter, the pitcher, or the catcher. It must be made immediately by one of those players without any assistance from a teammate or the dugout, which is why Kwan’s eye at the plate is so important.
According to The Athletic, since Kwan made his MLB debut on Opening Day 2022, he has had 264 pitches mistakenly called a strike against him. That’s the third-most, behind Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena, and just ahead of Mookie Betts and Aaron Judge.
Despite those missed calls, Kwan has become one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball. He has made the AL All-Star team in each of the past two seasons, and he has a career on-base percentage of .351 with a strikeout percentage of just 9.5 percent.
Not only that, but Kwan is also an exceptional defensive player, having won the Gold Glove in left field in each of his four seasons. This spring training, the Guardians are experimenting with him in center field, a move that could allow them to take the best advantage of young outfield prospects Chase DeLauter and George Valera by playing them in the less-demanding corner spots.
Despite trade rumors involving Kwan over the past year-plus, he is still on hand to help the Guardians reach the playoffs for the fourth time in his brief career.
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