Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney Relaxed: Hunter Pence on ABS First Impressions, Rookies, Giants; Blue Jays & Yankees Sweep
Mar 30, 2026
Hunter Pence, former 14-year MLB outfielder turned broadcaster, and Jorge Castillo, ESPN baseball reporter, join to break down rookie standouts, first impressions of the ABS system, and how players shake off losses. They also discuss the Giants’ rough start, the Blue Jays and Yankees sweeping their openers, and whether the Dodgers are treating the season like a rehearsal.
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McGonigal's Patience And Grinder Energy
- Kevin McGonigal arrived with minor-league numbers showing patience and elite OPS, and he carried that into spring training and Opening Day success.
- Pence likened his swing and energy to Alex Bregman and Dustin Pedroia and called him a potential franchise-changing bat.
Sal Stewart Stands Out For Competitiveness And Adjustments
- Sal Stewart combines raw hitting instinct with rapid in-game adjustability and elite hand-eye coordination.
- Pence emphasized Stewart's mid-swing adjustments and competitiveness, noting he may still have more mechanical upside.
ABS Changes Strategy And Elevates Framing
- The ABS automated strike system adds drama and strategic layers, shifting emphasis to framing and challenge timing.
- Pence and Buster noted managers must be judicious with two challenges and that framing could earn critical 'tweener' calls.