Mauer’s Take on MLB’s New Challenge Tech

Joe Mauer, the former Twins star now residing in St. Paul, praised Major League Baseball’s new Automated Challenge System (ABS) for its ability to improve the accuracy of calls on the field. In a recent Fox News interview, Mauer explained that the goal is to get every call right and that ABS helps reach that aim.

“I actually really like it,” Mauer said. “The technology has gotten to a point where the challenges are pretty quick and resolved pretty quickly. That’s what we want: to get the call right.”

Mauer applauded MLB for incorporating ABS as part of a broader effort to enhance the game. He noted that the league consistently seeks ways to make baseball better and views this rule change as a positive step. Having played both offense and defense for the Twins, Mauer understands how crucial accurate calls are to a team’s success.

During his 15‑year tenure with the Twins, Mauer posted a .306 batting average, hit 143 home runs, and drove in 923 RBIs. After retiring in 2018, he began competing annually in the American Century Championship golf tournament—an event that raises more than $8 million for charities, including a 40% donation to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.

Mauer admitted his golf skills aren’t perfect, but he emphasized that it doesn’t matter when he’s on the course. “American Century brings good people together and it feels like a week on the tour,” he said. The tournament will air on NBC and Peacock, giving fans a chance to see former baseball stars try their hand at golf.