Major League Baseball will have a look to the future in 2026 with the ABS system through robotic calls coming to the big leagues after several levels of previous experimentation.
Hitters and pitchers will have the ability to challenge balls and strikes on a limited basis, though those calls can start to decide the fate of wins and losses. For the Boston Red Sox, they should have supreme confidence in two hitters in particular under this new format.
Roman Anthony and Triston Casas already proved themselves to be elite students of the strike zone. Casas rose through his development as a prospect with immense praise for his eye at the dish and showed flashes of that, though the majority of his first few big-league seasons fell victim to freak injuries.
Anthony averaged an on-base percentage over .400 during his minor league career prior to his MLB debut in June. His walk rate remains impressive in his progression and he played in Triple-A Worcester during periods of ABS experimentation throughout the minor leagues. That experience should benefit him and the Red Sox as ABS comes to MLB.
Anthony and Casas could win several challenges in 2026 with their feel for the strike zone, adding further offensive value for a Red Sox team on the rise.
The focus at this moment for the Red Sox, however is clinching a playoff berth for the first time in four seasons. Casas will not be available for the postseason run while Anthony’s status is to be determined for each round of the playoffs after a strained oblique on Sept. 2.
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