SCOTTSDALE — While the headline of Friday’s Cactus League opener will center around third baseman Nolan Arenado’s first home run in an Arizona Diamondbacks jersey, another player also made a significant impact against the Colorado Rockies.
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Last spring, MLB introduced the at-bat challenge system, which allows players to challenge pitches during an at-bat. Although the system was only used during Spring Training, it received enough positive feedback that the league is now moving forward with implementing it full-time — not just in Cactus and Grapefruit League games.
The system allows pitchers, catchers and batters to request a review of pitches they believe were called incorrectly by tapping the top of their heads. The umpiring crew then reviews the pitch and either upholds the call or overturns it if video evidence shows otherwise. Each team is allowed two challenges per game and loses one if a challenge is unsuccessful.
For more information on the new at-bat system, see below.
Needless to say, Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno made excellent use of the new system on the first day of Spring Training games.
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Moreno challenged four pitches during his outing behind the plate, overturning the first three that were originally called balls by home plate umpire Alex MacKay. The pitches were either in the strike zone or on the edge. His final challenge, however, was upheld as a ball after Moreno requested a review following an attempt to catch Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy stealing in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) talks to pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
While it was just one game, Moreno’s strong knowledge of the strike zone — combined with his excellent pitch framing — is an encouraging sign for what’s to come this season. The Arizona catcher has been consistent behind the plate and has even won a Gold Glove for his defensive work in the Valley.
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The new at-bat challenge system now gives him even more opportunity to showcase his knowledge from behind the plate and support his pitchers by ensuring the correct call is made.
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) during spring training workouts on Feb. 10, 2026, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Moreno was already a major asset as a catcher, but now he has another tool at his disposal to help the team succeed in 2026.
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