Major League Baseball (MLB) continues to navigate significant challenges in 2025, and while some issues may eventually be resolved, many cannot be addressed overnight. This analysis delves into five key problems that have emerged during the early months of the season. Notably, only two of these concerns directly pertain to gameplay, which, after years of prolonged matches and three-true-outcomes situations, is showing improvements. The primary issues appear to stem from management decisions and the level of effort put forth by organization leaders to assemble competitive teams. Proposed solutions for each problem will be outlined.

One critical issue highlighted by recent reports from Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic pertains to the strike zone, which appears to be smaller in 2025. This adjustment is not due to alterations in the rules surrounding the strike zone itself but rather in how umpires interpret and assess it. As a result, umpires are making fewer generous calls, a development that has led to a reduced strikeout rate and the highest frequency of balls in play since 2018. However, this shift has led to confusion among players, with more balls appearing in the strike zone and fewer strikes being called, contributing to an increased walk rate among hitters. The solution to this issue could involve the implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), which has shown promise during testing in spring training. This technology aims to reduce the number of incorrect calls and enhance the clarity of the strike zone for both pitchers and batters.

In addition to the strike zone, concerns regarding player safety have arisen, particularly in light of notable collisions at first base. A recent incident on April 20 between Luis Arraez and Mauricio Dubón resulted in Arraez sustaining a concussion, an injury that emphasizes the risks associated with player collisions. Despite the enlarged bases introduced in 2023 aimed at preventing injuries, collisions at first base remain a troubling aspect of the game. Implementing a double-sided first base bag, which is utilized in slow-pitch softball and college baseball, could provide a solution. This design offers separate bases for the defender and baserunner, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury during close plays.

Another significant issue relates to player promotions and the impact of the Prospect Promotion Incentives (PPI) established in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement. The PPI was intended to incentivize teams to promote top prospects by offering additional draft picks for players who excel, such as winning the Rookie of the Year award. While some players, like Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners, have benefited from this system, other teams still opt to delay promotions to extend their control over players. For instance, players like Paul Skenes and Roman Anthony have faced similar situations. To encourage teams to engage more proactively in promoting their top talent, the league might consider expanding PPI benefits to include additional incentives for players who place in the top three of Rookie of the Year voting.

The Colorado Rockies are currently facing scrutiny due to their dismal start to the 2025 season, with a record of 9-45, setting a precedent for the worst performance through the first 54 games of any season. This continued trend of teams failing to compete raises concerns about overall league integrity. With this being the third consecutive year marking a notably poor performance by a single team, there is a growing argument for increased accountability measures for teams with excessive losing records. One potential solution could involve instituting fines for teams that reach a specific threshold of losses, thereby incentivizing a more competitive environment. Such measures could be effective in motivating teams to prioritize performance over extended rebuilding phases.

Despite these glaring issues, competitive balance within MLB is relatively stable, especially considering that no team reached the 100-win threshold in 2024. However, the disparity in team payrolls, specifically the Los Angeles Dodgers' luxury-tax payroll—higher than that of the bottom four teams combined—has sparked debate. A correlation exists between spending and success, as evidenced by the recent playoff participants and their financial investments. Commissioner Rob Manfred's focus on the financial dynamics of the league indicates a potential shift towards discussing salary cap measures in future collective bargaining agreements, a topic that could be met with resistance from the MLB Players Association. Yet, proactive suggestions for improving revenue sharing and accountability for low-spending teams could pave the way for a more equitable environment in which all teams strive for success.