Get ready for a game-changer in Major League Baseball—one that could dramatically shift the dynamics on the field. With the new Automated Ball and Strike (ABS) system set to debut on Opening Day, the entire sport is on the brink of a revolution. But here’s where it gets controversial: while every team will feel the impact, certain players stand to gain more than others. And for the Chicago Cubs, two pitchers in particular could be in for a massive advantage.
As spring training heats up and the countdown to Opening Day begins, the Cubs are gearing up for a season that promises to be unlike any other. The ABS system, which allows pitchers, catchers, and batters to challenge umpire calls in real time, is poised to redefine how the game is played. But this is the part most people miss: the system isn’t just about fairness—it’s about precision, and some pitchers are better positioned to capitalize on it than others.
A recent in-depth analysis from The Athletic (subscription required) revealed a fascinating trend: fastballs thrown high in the strike zone are among the most frequently missed calls by umpires. This isn’t just a minor detail—it’s a game-changing insight. The article spotlighted 10 pitchers across the league who excel at commanding high fastballs, and two of them wear Cubs uniforms: Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga.
Why does this matter? High fastballs are notoriously tricky for umpires to call accurately, especially when pitchers like Boyd and Imanaga mix in different shapes and movements. This complexity doesn’t just challenge hitters—it can confuse umpires too. With the ABS system in place, these missed calls could become a thing of the past, giving pitchers like Boyd and Imanaga a significant edge.
Last season alone, tens of thousands of incorrect calls were recorded across the league—a staggering number that could have swayed games in favor of teams like the Cubs. While it’s unlikely the Cubs’ rotation will suddenly dominate the league, any advantage is a welcome one. And with Boyd and Imanaga leading the charge, the team’s prospects look brighter than ever.
Boyd’s 2025 season was nothing short of sensational. In his first year with the Cubs, he posted a 3.21 ERA and a 1.091 WHIP, earning his first All-Star nod. Imanaga, meanwhile, started strong before injuries sidelined him for much of the second half. Now, with both pitchers back in the rotation and Imanaga addressing mechanical issues tied to his injury, they’re poised to be the focal points of the Cubs’ starting lineup.
But here’s the real question: Will the ABS system turn these already-talented pitchers into unstoppable forces? Or will it simply level the playing field, leaving their success to skill alone? One thing’s for sure: the 2026 season is shaping up to be a fascinating experiment in technology, talent, and the timeless art of baseball. What do you think? Will the ABS system give Boyd and Imanaga an unfair advantage, or is it just another tool in the game’s evolution? Let us know in the comments!
