SF Giants backstop Patrick Bailey is already putting worst ABS fears to rest

Ever since it was announced that MLB would be implementing the ABS (Automatic Balls and Strikes) challenge system in 2026, there’s has been a fear that SF Giants catcher Patrick Bailey might be hurt by the change.

It’s a reasonable fear because Bailey has been the best pitch framer in the game since his debut in 2023 and framing may be impacted by this new system. The early returns in spring training suggest Bailey will be just fine though.

Patrick Bailey already showing he is adapting well to ABS system

In Tuesday’s spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels, Bailey challenged three pitches, two behind the dish and one as a hitter, that were each overturned. It’s just spring training, but it shows what we already knew about Bailey: his understanding of the strike zone is elite.

To be a great framer like him, a catcher has to have a supreme knowledge of the zone. It’s not an easy thing to master. Travis d’Arnaud, the catcher for the Angels, challenged two pitches in the game and both were confirmed so the Angels lost their ability to challenge. d’Arnaud is a solid veteran catcher who has been around the game for a while so he is no slouch back there which shows that understanding the ABS zone will be an advantage for catchers.

It will be interesting to keep track of how successful different catchers are when challenging calls. Guys like Bailey should have carte blanche to challenge as they see fit, so how aggressive he chooses to be with his challenges will be fascinating to watch.

Of course, Bailey is not a great defensive catcher just because of his framing skills. The two-time Gold Glove Award winner also has an elite pop time and throws runners out on the bases as good as anyone. He is a complete catcher behind the plate.

It’s still obviously very early in spring training, but the fears that Bailey’s value will be completely sapped by the ABS system are probably overblown. Giants general manager Zack Minasian has even said the system could end up being a benefit for Bailey and the Giants so we’ll just have to see how it plays out.

Obviously, the big question mark with Bailey is always going to be his bat. He struggled for much of last year despite having the two coolest moments offensively with a walk-off inside the park homer and a walk-off grand slam against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He was solid at the plate on Tuesday as well, hitting a double that drove in a run and drawing a walk. It’s just spring training, but if the early returns are any indication of what will happen in the regular season then Bailey could very well thrive under the new system.