Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In the 2025 MLB Championship Season, video review covered only specified calls—not every umpire judgment. A manager could challenge eligible calls promptly after a play; a crew chief could initiate certain reviews. MLB replay officials in New York made the final decision using a clear-and-convincing-evidence standard. The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System was separate: it was tested in 2025, but MLB announced league-wide use beginning in 2026.
How an MLB replay challenge worked in 2025
- After an eligible play, the manager promptly signals that the club is considering a challenge.
- The umpire starts a 15-second timer. Before it expires, the manager must commit to the challenge.
- The manager may include more than one reviewable call from that play in the same challenge. The replay official reviews only the calls included in the challenge, or those accepted for review by the crew chief.
- Full-time MLB umpires at the Replay Command Center in New York review the play. They may change the call, confirm it, or let it stand if there is not clear and convincing evidence to change it. Their decision is final.
- If the replay official overturns any challenged call, the club retains its challenge. If none is overturned, the challenge is charged. When a call is overturned, the replay official uses discretion to place the clubs as they would have been had the call been correct.
See MLB’s Manager Challenge glossary and Replay Review glossary for the official descriptions.
Who could start a review?
Manager challenges
A manager could challenge an eligible call using the prompt signal-and-commit process. A challenge could cover multiple reviewable calls on the same play, but not unrelated calls elsewhere in the game.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Crew-chief reviews
A crew chief could initiate review of a potential home run at any time. Beginning in the eighth inning, the crew chief could also initiate review of other reviewable calls or do so at the request of a manager with no challenges remaining.
#1 Best Overall
Which calls were reviewable?
MLB’s replay glossary lists these categories. Each category has limits; eligibility depends on the precise circumstances of the play.
- Potential home runs and other boundary calls.
- Specified fair-or-foul calls.
- Force plays and tag plays.
- Outfield catch plays.
- Specified baserunning calls: passing a runner, scoring before a third out, and touching a base.
- Hit-by-pitch calls.
- Home-plate collisions.
- Tag-ups.
- Placement of runners following a boundary call.
- Interference on double plays.
For example, certain fair-or-foul calls are reviewable only if the batted ball first lands at or beyond the first- or third-base umpire’s set position. Hit-by-pitch review does not determine whether the pitch was in the strike zone when it touched the batter or whether the batter tried to avoid being hit. For a specific play, consult the exact language in MLB’s replay glossary; a call being disputed does not automatically make it reviewable.
Rank #2
How ordinary replay differed from ABS
ABS was not a regular-season 2025 replay option. MLB tested the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System at 2025 Spring Training and used it in the 2025 All-Star Game. On September 23, 2025, MLB announced that ABS would be used across Spring Training, the Championship Season, and the Postseason beginning in 2026. The announced 2026 terms below should not be confused with 2025 manager challenges.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
| Feature | Ordinary replay in 2025 | ABS terms announced for 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Calls reviewed | Specified game-play calls, such as eligible tags, force plays, and boundary calls. | Balls and strikes, using tracked pitch location and a batter-specific strike zone. |
| Who could initiate | A manager could challenge; a crew chief could initiate permitted reviews. | A pitcher, catcher, or batter could immediately challenge an umpire’s ball-or-strike call. |
| Decision basis | Video review; the call changes only with clear and convincing evidence. | Tracking technology compares pitch location with the batter-specific zone. |
| Challenge allowance | The club retained a manager challenge if any challenged call was overturned; otherwise it was charged. The cited glossary does not state a fixed season-wide starting allotment. | Each club starts with two challenges; successful challenges are retained. A team entering extra innings with none remaining receives one. |
| Timing and scope | Manager signals promptly after a play and commits within 15 seconds; eligible calls only. | Challenge is made immediately after the ball-or-strike call. |
| Season status | Ordinary replay process for the 2025 Championship Season. | Tested at 2025 Spring Training and used in the 2025 All-Star Game; MLB-wide use announced to begin in 2026. |
MLB’s September 2025 announcement described the 2026 ABS zone as 17 inches wide, with the top set at 53.5% and the bottom at 27% of the batter’s height. Those measurements and challenge terms refer to the announced ABS system, not ordinary video replay. Read the MLB announcement for its stated rollout scope and terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the 2025 ABS test figures mean
MLB reported just over four ABS pitches challenged per game in 2025 Spring Training, with success near 50%. Its reported overturn rates were 54% for defensive challenges and 50% for offensive challenges; by challenger, the rates were 56% for catchers, 50% for hitters, and 41% for pitchers. These are Spring Training ABS test figures, not statistics for ordinary 2025 MLB replay challenges.
The MLB pages cited here do not establish complete 2025 regular-season and postseason totals for ordinary replay challenge volume, overturn rate, or review duration, so those figures should not be inferred from the ABS test.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
