This is the life
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
Leveling The Playing Field
It’s finally here!
That applies to the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special and the new MLB season, which begins with tonight’s 8:05 p.m. ET meeting between the NY Yankees and San Francisco Giants, airing on Netflix, followed by tomorrow’s traditional Opening Day slate.
- We’ll have two March Madness special editions later this week (a men’s Sweet 16 preview tomorrow and the women’s on Friday), so today’s newsletter will cover all things baseball — from the top players to the new ballpark foods. Truly the best of both worlds.
Top storylines
⚾ What we’re watching
The GIST: A season that spans 162 games from March to September provides plenty of opportunity for pondering. The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) is undoubtedly the biggest shakeup of the season, but first, here are the other major storylines we’re following before first pitch.
👑 Can anyone beat the LA Dodgers?: The two-time defending champs are synonymous with the postseason, reaching the World Series in five of the last nine seasons. And this team is somehow even better than before, armed with a fully healthy Shohei Ohtani, plus top free agents, outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin Diaz. It’ll take some Hollywood dramatics to dethrone this dynasty.
🔒 Potential lockout looms: Fresh off the lengthy WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, the current MLB CBA expires on December 1st, shortly after the season ends. The two sides are already divided — specifically when it comes to the implementation of a salary cap — pointing to a massive labor dispute to come...especially if the deep-pocket Dodgers three-peat.
👶 How will the up-and-comers perform?: A plethora of top prospects will either continue their rising MLB careers or likely make their Big League debuts, including 22-year-old Toronto Blue Jays hurler Trey Yesavage (who dazzled in the playoffs last year), 19-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Konnor Griffin, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo. The kids are certainly alright.
ABS Challenge System
❌ Three strikes and you’re out
The GIST: This year’s campaign features an intriguing plot twist: The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, which will allow players — specifically the batter, the pitcher, and the catcher — to challenge an umpire’s ball or strike call. From how it works to the unexpected fallout , here’s everything you need to know.
⁉️ How it works: In order to signal for a challenge, a player taps their hat or helmet. This must be done immediately after the initial ball or strike call and without help from the dugout or other players. You’re on your own, kid.
- A pitch result graphic (pictured above) will be on display for those in attendance and at home, instantaneously showing whether or not the umpire was right. Each team starts with two challenges per game and will lose one if their challenge is unsuccessful.
😬 Short kings everywhere are on notice: And some were caught lying because the ABS system operates based on each player’s accurate height. The ABS strike zone is 17 inches wide (the same width as home plate), while the top part of the zone is determined using 53.5% of a player’s height and 27% of their height for the bottom.
- Height discrepancies aside, expect teams to deploy their ABS challenges carefully. Challenges are limited, and squads will certainly want to have one on hand in the crucial final innings.
🍎 AL East – NY Yankees
The American League (AL) East is undoubtedly the most competitive division in baseball, but we think the Bronx Bombers will take the crown. The Yankees nearly won the pennant last season, finishing with the same record as their divisional foe Toronto Blue Jays. Their lineup is largely intact, and they’ll see the return of injured 2023 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole.
👑 AL Central – Detroit Tigers
This division will almost certainly come down to the Tigers or last year’s victors, the Cleveland Guardians. Both squads finished within a game of each other in 2025, but Detroit will have some fresh growl power in shortstop Kevin McGonigle, the No. 2 prospect in baseball. Me-ow.
🔱 AL West – Seattle Mariners
Still searching for their first World Series appearance, the M’s came oh-so close last season behind Cal “Big Dumper” Raleigh’s home run heroics and a breakout year from superstar outfielder Julio Rodríguez. Prepare the tridents because this team is ready for revenge.
🟠 NL East – NY Mets
It’s always tough to choose between fearsome National League (East) foes in the Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies in this division, but we’re giving the Kings of Queens the edge. Already boasting superstar Juan Soto, NY added even more talent in the offseason, signing pitcher Freddy Peralta and infielder Bo Bichette. Have to do it big in the Big Apple.
🐻 NL Central – Chicago Cubs
After falling short to their forever foe Milwaukee Brewers last year, the Cubbies made some big offseason swings, notably inking three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion Alex Bregman and recently extending their young phenom Pete Crow-Armstrong. Expect plenty of wins in Wrigleyville.
💙 NL West – LA Dodgers
But of course. The reigning champs have won 12 of the last 13 divisional crowns, not to mention four straight. And as you read, they remain incredibly deep, retaining several players from last year’s run, including stellar starting pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow. It’s almost unfair.
Shohei Ohtani, LA Dodgers designated hitter and pitcher
Who else? The biggest star in the game by far, two-way player Ohtani has a knack for rewriting the record books each and every season. A four-time MVP, every Ohtani at-bat and pitching appearance is truly must-see TV. This is the greatest Sho, after all.
Aaron Judge, NY Yankees outfielder
The best player not named Shohei Ohtani, Judge is a three-time AL MVP. He provides the power in a stacked Yankees lineup and can change the game with one swing of the bat. All rise.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals shortstop
The centerpiece of a Royals team looking to make some postseason noise, Witt can get the job done in the field and at the plate. The 25-year-old led the league in doubles last season while earning his second consecutive Gold Glove. What can’t he do?
Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers pitcher
Skubal got paid this offseason, winning his arbitration case to the tune of a one-year, $32M salary. Now the two-time defending Cy Young winner is preparing to hit free agency after this campaign — as if he needed any extra motivation after posting an incredible 2.21 ERA in 2025.
Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher
The famously stoic half of an iconic sports power couple with gymnast Livvy Dunne, Skenes immediately took the league by storm after debuting in 2024. His trophy case is just as stacked with accolades as his pitch arsenal.
Question of the Day
Whether it’s one of the new elaborate creations available this season or a ballpark staple, food is perhaps the best part of attending a baseball game. Which classic concession item listed below is your go-to?
Today’s email was brought to you by Lauren Tuiskula, Alessandra Puccio, Lisa Minutillo, Grace DePaull, and Charlotte Mackenzie. Fact-checking by Elisha Gunaratnam and Mikaela Perez. Ops by Briana Ekanem and Elisha Gunaratnam. Managing edits by Lauren Tuiskula and Alessandra Puccio. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.