Once upon a time, Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers was among the best framing catchers in Major League Baseball. Jeffers has one framing run (73rd percentile) in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, six framing runs (88th percentile) in 2021 and four framing runs (73rd percentile) in 2022. However, the Twins catcher has struggled with framing since then, posting a combined -14 framing runs from 2023 through this season. The good news for Jeffers and the Twins is that the ABS Challenge System will be part of Major League Baseball in 2026, which should help the Minnesota catcher become more valuable overall.
Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers should benefit defensively with newly implemented ABS Challenge System
The ABS Challenge System, used in spring training and the All-Star Game this year, allows each team to have two challenges regarding balls/strikes calls per game, plus potential additional challenges in extra innings. To challenge a ball/strike call, a player has to tap his cap or helmet to let the umpire know he wants to challenge the call. Because of this new rule, Jeffers' negative framing stats will be less detrimental to the team. If Jeffers poorly frames a pitch that is called a ball but is actually a strike, the Twins will now be able to correct the call by challenging.
However, Jeffers, who is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season, may be on the trade block this winter and/or next summer. Still, the newly implemented ABS Challenge System may have increased the value of the return the Twins could receive in a trade involving their starting catcher. Whether Jeffers is on the Twins or a different team in 2026, there is no doubt that the catcher should be happy about the new challenge system.
Twins set to play season finale against Philadelphia Phillies
The Twins' regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Phillies is scheduled to commence at 2:05 p.m. CT on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Simeon Woods Richardson is slated to start on the mound for the Twins, while Cristopher Sánchez is expected to start for the Phillies.