The landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) continues to evolve, but significant challenges remain. While the sport's gameplay has improved over the years with efforts to reduce game lengths and mitigate the three-true-outcomes dilemma, various issues are creating a cloudy outlook for the league. This analysis will address five prominent problems affecting MLB in 2025, with a focus on leadership decisions regarding team competitiveness and proposed solutions for each issue.

One noteworthy concern highlighted by a report from Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is the apparent shrinkage of the strike zone in 2025. This observation arises from changes in the evaluation methods for umpires rather than adjustments to the actual rules governing the strike zone. As a result, umpires have become less generous with their calls, leading to more balls within the strike zone and an increased walk rate. While the smaller strike zone has contributed to a decline in strikeouts and the highest rate of balls in play since 2018, it has left both hitters and pitchers grappling with confusion regarding the new dynamics. A potential solution lies in the implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), which demonstrated efficiency during spring training, significantly reducing bad calls and associated game delays. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred aims for the ABS rollout in the upcoming season, contingent upon the MLB Players Association's approval.

Player safety remains a critical topic, particularly following a series of concerning injuries from collisions at first base. The collision between Luis Arraez of the Miami Marlins and Mauricio Dubón on April 20 resulted in Arraez suffering a concussion, showcasing the inherent risks of traditional baseball plays. While the increased size of first base bags introduced in 2023 aimed to mitigate injuries, the issue persists. Advocates for safety improvements suggest adopting a double-sided first base bag—similar to those used in slow-pitch softball and collegiate baseball—could effectively reduce collisions by providing distinct bases for both runners and fielders. This innovation has garnered support from various figures within the sport, highlighting an opportunity to improve player safety without disrupting gameplay.

Another critical aspect of the current MLB environment relates to potential service-time manipulation amidst the evolving competitive landscape. The Prospect Promotion Incentives (PPI) introduced in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement aimed to encourage teams to elevate their top prospects more quickly to the major leagues. While there have been positive outcomes, including rookies like Julio Rodríguez earning teams extra draft picks, some organizations continue to delay promotions to stretch club control over player contracts. Notably, players such as Paul Skenes from the Pittsburgh Pirates faced similar treatment. One solution could involve expanding PPI benefits to incentivize teams further, possibly by granting draft-related bonuses for players who rank within the top three of Rookie of the Year voting, even if they do not win the award.

In terms of team performance, the Colorado Rockies' dismal 2025 start has raised eyebrows throughout the league, with their 9-45 record marking the worst performance in the early part of a season. Past seasons have seen similar struggles from teams like the Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics, raising concerns about competitive balance in MLB. Realistically, MLB does not have a relegation system akin to leagues in the English Premier League, but measures should be considered to hold underperforming teams accountable. Potential fines for teams accumulating 100 losses in a season could pressure ownership and management to prioritize competitiveness, fostering a culture where losing carries financial consequences.

Despite unrest over payroll disparities across the league, MLB's competitive balance appears stable overall, with no teams achieving 100 wins in 2024. However, the stark contrast in spending illustrates nuances regarding the league's financial landscape. The Los Angeles Dodgers boast a luxury-tax payroll exceeding the combined total of the bottom four teams, and this disparity continues to affect overall competitiveness. Many argue that financial investments in player acquisitions often translate to on-field success, as evidenced by the playoff participation of the top spenders in recent years. As discussions about significant economic reforms surface, including potential salary caps in future collective bargaining agreements, solutions are needed. Strategies such as increased revenue-sharing, stiffer penalties for luxury tax evasion, and robust measures for owner accountability could help create a more equitable environment for all teams.