New Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona has decided not to participate in the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system during spring training, though he is open to allowing the team’s minor league players to gain experience with it.
The ABS system, currently being tested in 13 spring training ballparks, gives pitchers, hitters, and catchers the ability to challenge a ball-strike call in real time. While it has been used in minor league games, MLB has yet to implement it fully. Each team is allowed two challenges per game, which must come from on-field players rather than the manager. However, Francona and the Reds’ starters reportedly will not be utilizing the system.
“I’m OK with seeing our younger kids do it because they’ve done it,” Francona said, via Field Level Media. “It’s not a strategy for [MLB teams], so why work on it? I don’t want to make a farce of anything, but we’re here getting ready for a season, and that’s not helping us get ready.”
The ABS system has been implemented at various points during spring training, first appearing in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Chicago Cubs.
Terry Francona returns to MLB in 2025 as the Cincinnati Reds’ manager after taking a year off in 2024. He retired from his role with the Cleveland Guardians at the end of the 2023 season, citing health concerns. The Reds mark the fourth team he has managed, following stints with the Philadelphia Phillies (1997-2000), Boston Red Sox (2004-2011), and Guardians (2013-2023). During his time in Boston, he led the team to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007, and with Cleveland, he guided them to the 2016 American League pennant.
Now, the Reds are counting on Francona’s experience to help develop their young roster and push the team back into contention. Despite having a talented core, Cincinnati has yet to turn that potential into a playoff appearance.
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