There may not be an immediate resolution to the ongoing challenges facing Major League Baseball (MLB), as certain issues appear entrenched within the league's operations. Despite the potential for a more favorable future, the current landscape reveals several significant problems. While only two of these challenges directly impact the on-field gameplay, the remaining concerns revolve around organizational management and their commitment to assembling competitive rosters. This analysis will outline five key issues currently casting a shadow over the beginning of the 2025 season, along with proposed solutions for each.

One key concern relates to an intriguing report from Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, which indicates that the strike zone is effectively becoming smaller in 2025. The parameters governing the strike zone have not changed, but umpires' interpretations of it appear to be less forgiving. While this adjustment has resulted in a reduction in strikeouts and an increase in balls in play—reaching the highest frequency since 2018—the situation has produced an uptick in walks and confusion among both pitchers and hitters. A potential resolution lies in the advancement of technology, specifically the planned implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS). Preliminary results from testing during spring training showed that 52.2 percent of ball-strike challenges were successfully overturned, with minimal disruption to game flow, averaging just 13.8 seconds per call. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed hopes of introducing this technology to regular-season and postseason play as early as next year, contingent on approval from the MLB Players Association.

Another persistent injury concern in MLB arises from collisions at first base. A recent incident involving Luis Arraez and Mauricio Dubón on April 20 led to Arraez sustaining a concussion and being placed on the injured list. This promotes a discussion about the inherent risks associated with such collisions, despite the existing use of larger first base bags aimed at minimizing injuries. Notably, the implementation of a double-sided first base bag, which separates the territories of defenders and baserunners, has proven effective in other leagues, including slow-pitch softball and college baseball. San Diego Padres manager Mike Schildt voiced support for this approach following Arraez's injury. Embracing this innovation could be a logical step for MLB to enhance player safety.

In the wake of the collective bargaining agreement established in 2022, Major League Baseball introduced Prospect Promotion Incentives (PPI) designed to encourage teams to promote top prospects earlier in their development. While this system has yielded benefits, as exemplified by Julio Rodríguez's promotion to the Seattle Mariners' Opening Day roster, some organizations continue to delay the advancement of promising players to extend their control periods. Recent examples include Paul Skenes and other notable talents like Roman Anthony and Bubba Chandler. To combat such service-time manipulation, expanding the PPI framework to reward not only Rookie of the Year winners but also top-three finishers in voting could motivate teams to promote talented players without undue delays. Implementing such a change could include extra draft bonuses to incentivize competitiveness.

A particularly concerning issue is the performance of the Colorado Rockies, who are on track to potentially set a record for the most losses in a single season. Their alarming 9-45 record through the first 54 games has raised questions about management effectiveness and competitive integrity, especially after the Chicago White Sox recorded 121 defeats last year. This trend of having notably poor-performing teams raises concerns for MLB, prompting discussions around the necessity of consequences for excessive losing. While a system akin to relegation seen in European football may not be feasible, introducing fines for teams with subpar records, particularly once they reach 100 losses, could be a potential strategy. Additionally, handling repeat offenders through restrictions on the draft lottery could further prompt organizations to prioritize competitiveness.

Despite some ongoing discussions surrounding competitive balance, the financial stratification within MLB remains pronounced. The Los Angeles Dodgers reported luxury-tax payrolls exceeding the combined total of four bottom-tier teams, illustrating a substantial disparity in spending habits among franchises. Although the postseason contests reflect a competitive atmosphere—with no team exceeding 100 wins in 2024 and only a few teams dominating the upper echelon of the standings—financial weight continues to play a pivotal role in battle outcomes. The league is reportedly engaging in discussions to explore the possibility of instituting a salary cap during the next collective bargaining agreement, a proposition that may face pushback from the MLB Players Association. In the meantime, addressing revenue-sharing methods or enhancing accountability for owners might pave the way for a more balanced competitive environment across the league.