The New York Yankees have not exactly adjusted to the new ABS challenge system so far this season. The system allows hitters, pitchers, and catchers to challenge a ball or strike call. According to a new report by ESPN, the Bronx Bombers have only had a 50% success rate in these challenges during 2026. This currently ranks 22nd among the 30 Major League Baseball teams.
The Yankees trio of Aaron Judge, J.C. Escarra, and Max Fried is faring well in their challenges. In fact, the slugger and the catcher are both three for four (75% success rate) in challenges so far this season. Fried also co-leads all pitchers with a perfect record in ABS challenges (three for three).
Nevertheless, New York’s subpar success rate in ABS challenges has been particularly affected by Jose Caballero and Jazz Chisholm. According to Greg Joyce, Caballero entered April 24 with five unsuccessful challenges. At the time, the shortstop ranked tops in the American League at ABS failures. However, Chisholm has since picked up a sixth unsuccessful challenge on April 26.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was asked during an appearance on Talkin’ Yanks if he is banning Chisholm from making ABS challenges for a few weeks. “We’ll see,” responded Boone, after initially laughing. “Look, I don’t want it to go away completely. Because I don’t want him to be in a situation in a key spot in the game where it’s important to have that in your pocket. But he and I have spoken about some things.”
New York Yankees Star Jazz Chisholm Punishes Himself For Failed Challenges
GettyJazz Chisholm is regarded as one of the best current Yankees hitters.
Not only have Chisholm’s ABS challenges mostly been unsuccessful for the New York Yankees, but they have been borderline comical. The star infielder’s challenge against a called strike against the Houston Astros on April 24 was particularly awful. After tapping his helmet to signify the dispute, replays showed the pitch was right over the middle of the plate.
Two days later, Chisholm unsuccessfully challenged another pitch that was over the plate. The camera quickly turned to Boone, who seemed a little annoyed with the situation. He did end up singling to right field later in the at-bat, though.
After the horrendous challenge on April 24, the star claimed that he would fine himself $1,000 for the mistake. Yankees players previously established a $500 penalty for being wrong on ABS challenges. Chisholm, however, apparently believed that the severity of the mistake was essentially worth two fines.
New York, Chisholm Next Face Tough Texas Pitchers
After Boone’s latest comments on the situation, New York Yankees fans will be watching to see if Chisholm challenges in the near future. The star and his teammates will finish off a three-game series against the Texas Rangers over the next two days. Texas is expected to start arguably their top two pitchers, Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, against the Yankees.
Chisholm is currently in his final year under contract with New York and looking for a substantial extension. He was previously linked with a potential $180 million deal in his next contract. So far this season, the second baseman is slashing .218/.301/.356, but has recorded 10 hits in his last seven games.
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