Twins’ Reliance on ABS Could Make Field of Dreams Game Unique Challenge

The Minnesota Twins are heading to one of baseball’s most recognizable settings this week, but the distinctive site will come with a rule change that could have a bigger impact on them than their opponent. The Twins will face the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday night at the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville, Iowa. The matchup brings plenty of attention because of the unique venue, but Minnesota will also have to adjust to playing without one of the tools it has leaned on throughout the 2026 season.

Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball-Strike system will not be available for the game. That means neither team will have the opportunity to challenge ball-and-strike calls, creating a significant departure from the way games have been played throughout the regular season.

For the Twins, that is more than just an interesting wrinkle. Minnesota has been one of the most aggressive teams in baseball when it comes to using the ABS challenge system. The Twins have frequently relied on their ability to challenge borderline pitches, both at the plate and behind it, to turn questionable calls into favorable ones. In fact, FanGraphs crunched the numbers and the Twins have benefited more than any other team when it comes to ABS.  

On the offensive side, the Twins have made 143 challenges this season, the second-most in baseball behind only the New York Mets. Luke Keaschall leads the team with 12 challenges won, but he’s also been wrong 13 times (48.0 Won%). Austin Martin is second on the team with 10 challenges won in 19 attempts (53 Won%). Trevor Larnach has only challenged 12 pitches, but his 4.4 overturns versus expected leads the team. 

On defense, Minnesota has been even more active. The Twins lead MLB with 189 challenges from the field and have won 115 of those challenges. Victor Caratini ranks third in baseball with 61 challenges on the defensive side with a 65.0 Won%. He also ranks fifth overall in overturns versus expected (12.6). Ryan Jeffers has gone 38-for-63 in challenges for a 60.0 Won%. That makes Thursday’s game a particularly interesting adjustment for Minnesota.

Instead, Minnesota will have to live with borderline calls. That could put additional emphasis on the way the Twins approach the strike zone throughout the game. Pitchers will need to understand that they might not get a call overturned if a borderline pitch goes against them, while hitters will need to be even more disciplined when dealing with pitches near the edges of the zone.

Interestingly, the Phillies aren't nearly as dependent on the challenge system. Philadelphia entered Sunday with the fewest catcher-initiated challenges in baseball at 96. J.T. Realmuto has gone 41-for-59 (69.0 Won%) and Rafael Marchan has gone 18-for-33 (55 Won%). The Phillies have also been highly successful when they do decide to challenge, ranking second in the majors in overturn rate. So, while both teams will be playing without ABS, the change could represent a much bigger adjustment for Minnesota.

There is also an element of unpredictability that comes with playing at the Field of Dreams site. This isn't a typical regular-season environment, and the absence of ABS adds another variable to a game that already comes with plenty of them. MLB is giving both teams an extra position player for the contest, adding to another rule change to the game. 

For the Twins, though, the biggest adjustment might happen before the first pitch. They have spent an entire season taking advantage of the ABS system. Now, they'll have to play a game without it. That doesn't necessarily mean the lack of challenges will decide the outcome. But considering how frequently Minnesota has used the system (and how successful the Twins have been when doing so) it is a wrinkle worth watching closely.

At a venue built around nostalgia, the Twins will get a brief return to baseball without one of the more modern additions to the game. And for a team that has embraced ABS more than almost anyone, that could make Thursday night's matchup a little more challenging (pun intended) than expected.

Should Twins fans worry about there being no ABS for one game? Leave a comment and start the discussion.