The 2026 Major League Baseball season began with a split between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels. Despite salvaging two high scoring wins, the Astros have yet to show signs of improvement. The team's current closer, Bryan Abreu, gave up four earned runs. The new Automated Ball Strike system, which allows teams to challenge home plate umpire's calls multiple times, was a highlight of the team's performance so far. However, the new system may not be working, with Jose Altuve and Cam Smith both missing two missed challenges by the fifth inning. Yordan Alvarez seems to have his swing working, and Mike Trout remains the best player despite his age.