The future of Major League Baseball may one day arrive when criticisms of the league are obsolete, yet that moment remains distant. Presently, MLB grapples with significant challenges in the 2025 season, issues that cannot be rectified instantaneously. This analysis delves into five prominent problems that have overshadowed the early weeks of the season. Notably, only two of these concerns pertain directly to gameplay, which itself is relatively stable following prolonged struggles with duration and the prevailing three-true-outcomes model. Instead, the more pressing matters predominantly involve the leadership within each organization, particularly their commitment to assembling competitive teams.

A recent report by Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic has raised attention to a notable alteration in the strike zone in 2025. The rule governing the actual strike zone remains unchanged; however, there is a notable shift in how MLB evaluates umpire perceptions of this zone, resulting in a narrower strike zone and less lenient calls from officials. Coincidingly, this development has led to a reduction in strikeout rates and the highest occurrence of balls in play since 2018. Despite these benefits, the adjustment has caused confusion among hitters and pitchers, as there appears to be an increase in pitches classified as being within the zone yet called for balls, contributing to a heightened walk rate.

In pursuit of a practical resolution, it appears that advancing with the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) may hold the most promise. Following its successful trials in spring training, where over half of all challenges were upheld in under 14 seconds, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed hopes of implementing this technology in regular-season and postseason games as soon as the upcoming year. The key consideration remains whether the MLB Players Association will endorse the move, as the technology stands ready for its transition into official game play.

Another pressing concern has emerged from unfortunate injuries resulting from collisions at first base. Notably, a collision between players Luis Arraez and Mauricio Dubón on April 20 led to Arraez sustaining a concussion and subsequent placement on the injured list. Collisions at first base, while not endemic, present a discernible risk, despite structural changes such as the introduction of larger bases designed for injury prevention. As such, the implementation of a double-sided first base bag, akin to those utilized in slow-pitch softball and college baseball, presents a feasible solution. This design effectively creates separate bases for defenders and runners, thereby reducing the likelihood of similar injuries. This sentiment has been echoed by San Diego Padres manager Mike Schildt, who has advocated for the exploration of this option.

In 2022, MLB and the MLB Players Association reached a new collective bargaining agreement that introduced the Prospect Promotion Incentives (PPI). This initiative was crafted to encourage teams to elevate top prospects to major league rosters sooner in exchange for potential draft picks. While there is evidence of success, such as Julio Rodríguez earning a PPI draft pick after making the Mariners' Opening Day roster, some teams continue to prioritize maximizing their club control over promoting their best talent. Notable examples include players like Paul Skenes and Roman Anthony, who have faced delayed promotions despite their potential, thus underscoring the ongoing debate around service-time manipulation.

In light of these developments, it may be prudent for teams to learn from past mistakes, as demonstrated by the Pittsburgh Pirates' approach to Skenes’ timeline. His designation as NL Rookie of the Year under the PPI rules resulted in a loss of draft pick benefits for the Pirates due to the incomplete service time requirement. Therefore, expanding PPI benefits to include draft incentives for players who rank within the top three of Rookie of the Year voting could encourage teams to expedite the promotion of their talented prospects.

Another glaring issue in MLB is exemplified by the Colorado Rockies and their dismal record of 9-45, a mark that could potentially set a new record for most losses in a single season. This situation highlights a growing concern within the league as the downward spiral of particular teams becomes a recurring theme, with the Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics encountering similar fates in recent years. The visibility of such extended poor performance raises questions about the competitive integrity of the league as excessive losing should carry significant financial repercussions.

In an ideal scenario, a system akin to European football's model of promotion and relegation could ensure accountability among franchises, yet the current structure of MLB does not support such measures. However, the league might consider implementing financial penalties for teams that consistently accumulate excessive losses, particularly those meeting or exceeding the 100-loss threshold. This could include substantial fines or restrictions on future draft benefits, thereby instilling a stronger incentive for teams to prioritize competitiveness and athlete development.

While competitive balance within MLB is purportedly improving, with no team eclipsing 100 wins last season, the stark disparity in payrolls continues to garner attention. The Los Angeles Dodgers' luxury tax payroll dwarfs that of the bottom-performing teams combined, raising concerns about fairness and equitable competition. Although it is asserted that spending does not guarantee victories, historical data suggests a correlation between financial investment and achievement on the field.

Rob Manfred has voiced a perspective that these disparities stem from the inherent financial mechanics of the game. Reports indicate that MLB is contemplating the introduction of a salary cap in future collective bargaining efforts, a proposition met with resistance from the MLB Players Association. The discussion of a salary floor might alleviate some concerns, but many believe that without addressing systemic spending disparities, achieving genuine competitive balance will remain elusive. One potential avenue for improvement could involve heightened revenue-sharing protocols and accountability measures for owners who consistently maintain subpar payrolls, fostering a more level playing field for all franchises.