MLB's new automated strike zone has created a massive unintended consequence for hitters and pitchers

The introduction of Major League Baseball’s automated balls and strikes challenge system was expected to change the sport in 2026. For the entire history of the game, players and managers had complained about missed calls at home plate, with arguments and on-field disagreements commonplace. 

And suddenly, for the first time ever, they could do something about it. 

If catchers, pitchers, or hitters believed an umpire missed a call, they were suddenly allowed to challenge it. Two challenges per game...