Major League Baseball (MLB) continues to face significant challenges in 2025 that cannot be resolved overnight. Although there may be a future where grievances regarding the league are minimized, the current state shows that several issues have emerged within the first two months of the season. While the gameplay is in a decent position after years of lengthy games and unpredictable outcomes, higher management concerns regarding team competitiveness dominate the discussion. This article aims to discuss five pressing problems in MLB and suggest possible solutions for each.

One notable concern highlighted by Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic is the apparent decrease in the size of the strike zone in 2025. The actual regulations governing the strike zone remain unchanged; however, MLB's current assessment of umpires' perception has led to less generous strike calls. While this adjustment brings about a reduced strikeout rate and the highest frequency of balls in play since 2018, it has resulted in an increase in walks and confusion among hitters and pitchers alike. To address this issue, MLB's recent trials of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) during spring training indicate that its incorporation into regular-season games could be beneficial. The results show an impressive 52.2 percent success rate for ball-strike challenges, with no significant game delays. Commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic about implementing this system soon, provided it receives support from the MLB Players Association.

Another pressing issue arises from on-field safety, particularly collisions at first base. A collision involving Luis Arraez and Mauricio Dubón on April 20 resulted in Arraez suffering a concussion, which has reignited discussions surrounding the potential dangers of these encounters. Despite the first base bag being enlarged to mitigate injuries, collisions remain a significant concern. A practical solution could be adopting a double-sided first base bag, which has been used effectively in slow-pitch softball and collegiate baseball. By separating the runner and defender bases, this approach would reduce the risk of collisions without detracting from the gameplay. San Diego Padres manager Mike Schildt has expressed support for this innovation, highlighting its potential positive impact on player safety.

The introduction of Prospect Promotion Incentives in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement aimed to encourage teams to promote top prospects to the Major League level sooner. However, while some players have benefited from this initiative, others continue to be held back in favor of extending team control over promising athletes. For example, Paul Skenes' situation in 2023 raised concerns about the effectiveness of these incentives when teams prioritize maintaining an extra year of control. To motivate teams to promote their top prospects, the league might consider expanding the incentives to include draft bonuses for players who place in the top few spots of the Rookie of the Year voting, not just the top winner.

The Colorado Rockies are currently in the spotlight for their historic struggles, with a dismal record of 9-45 through the first 54 games of the season. This has sparked conversations about the implications of excessive losing within MLB, especially as the league has seen remarkably poor performances from teams in recent years. One potential remedy for this ongoing issue, although unlikely to be implemented in MLB’s current structure, would be to introduce a system of financial penalties for teams accruing a high number of losses. Financial implications could serve as a deterrent for poor performance, similar to mechanisms seen in other sports leagues worldwide.

While competitive balance in MLB appears relatively stable, payroll disparities have raised concerns across the league. The Los Angeles Dodgers, with a luxury-tax payroll greater than the combined totals of the bottom four teams, illustrate significant financial imbalances. Although winning in baseball is not solely determined by spending, financial capabilities play a vital role. This calls for action to address the existing financial environment, with potential discussions for a salary cap or more stringent revenue-sharing policies coming to the forefront as the next collective bargaining agreement approaches. Moreover, measures holding ownership accountable for poor team performances could promote a healthier competitive landscape.