Major League Baseball (MLB) continues to face significant challenges as it moves through the 2025 season. While the prospect of a future devoid of complaints about the league may seem appealing, for now, issues persist that require attention and resolution. Many of these concerns predominantly pertain to organizational management rather than the on-field product, which has shown signs of improvement in certain areas, such as a more efficient pace of play and a decrease in the three-true-outcomes dynamic.

One critical issue that has emerged this season involves the shrinking strike zone as reported by Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Although the official rules governing the strike zone remain unchanged, the manner in which umpires call pitches has notably shifted. This has resulted in a reduced strikeout rate alongside the highest frequency of balls in play since 2018. However, this change has also led to increased confusion for players, with more pitches being called balls within the strike zone and an elevated walk rate. Implementing the Automated Ball-Strike System may offer a viable solution, as testing has demonstrated that it could improve consistency in calls, shortening games without compromising their integrity.

Another safety concern arises from player collisions at first base, highlighted by an incident on April 20 involving Miami Marlins infielder Luis Arraez and Houston Astros player Mauricio Dubón. Such events can lead to serious injuries, notably Arraez's concussion, which placed him on the injured list. Despite having implemented larger bases to mitigate injury risk, collisions still occur and may be deemed preventable. A potential solution lies in adopting a double-sided first base bag that would separate the defender's landing area from the base runner's approach, effectively decreasing the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.

Additionally, the Prospect Promotion Incentives established under the new collective bargaining agreement in 2022 have had mixed success. Intended to encourage teams to promote their top prospects earlier, the incentives have seen a few successes — such as Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners earning a pick after winning the Rookie of the Year award. Despite this, some teams still opt to delay promotions to extend control over players. To address this, expanding draft-related bonuses could incentivize teams to avoid service time manipulation and reward players who perform well in the Rookie of the Year voting.

The Colorado Rockies presently illustrate extreme challenges, struggling greatly with a record of 9-45 through the first 54 games of the season—the worst start in MLB history. This has raised questions about competitive integrity within the league, especially given the recent trend of teams languishing at the bottom of the standings. Although a system of relegation similar to that in other sports might not be feasible, introducing financial penalties for teams that consistently fail could help promote accountability and competition. For instance, accumulating fines at 100 losses and stripping repeat offenders of draft lottery opportunities may create sufficient deterrents.

Meanwhile, competitive balance within MLB shows some promise, with no team winning 100 games in 2024, and the potential for a repeat in 2025. However, disparities in payroll continue to draw scrutiny, particularly with the Los Angeles Dodgers' luxury-tax payroll exceeding that of the bottom four teams combined. The ongoing debate regarding the financial landscape of the league suggests that changes may be necessary to create a more equitable framework. Commissioner Rob Manfred's hints at future adjustments, including potential concepts for a salary cap and floor, indicate a recognition of the need to address these inequities. Ultimately, enhancing revenue-sharing models and introducing accountability measures for owners who maintain persistently low payrolls may be crucial for the league's future.

Overall, while Major League Baseball is witnessing improvements in gameplay, significant administrative and structural issues remain that require thoughtful solutions to foster a competitive and engaging environment for fans and players alike.