The challenges facing Major League Baseball (MLB) are numerous and complex, and while some may argue that the league could reach a more favorable state in the future, significant issues persist in 2025 that cannot be rectified overnight. This analysis delves into five key problems that have overshadowed the early months of the season. Notably, only two of these concerns directly impact gameplay, which has shown improvement in light of previous years marked by lengthy matches and predominately three-true-outcomes outcomes. The more pressing issues revolve around organizational leadership and their commitment to constructing competitive teams. In addressing these challenges, potential solutions will also be highlighted.

One notable concern, reported by Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, involves the shrinking strike zone in 2025. The regulations concerning the actual zone have remained unchanged; however, the evaluation of umpires' perceptions has shifted, leading to less favorable calls for pitchers. While this has resulted in a reduced strikeout rate and a notable increase in balls in play—the highest since 2018—it has also generated confusion among players, with a rise in walks and a higher incidence of balls located in the strike zone but resulting in fewer strikes called. The simple remedy to this situation lies in implementing the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), recently tested during spring training. The system demonstrated a success rate of 52.2% in ball-strike challenges while only consuming an average of 13.8 seconds of game time. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated a desire to incorporate this technology into the regular season and postseason; however, its actual implementation depends on securing agreement from the MLB Players Association.

Injuries and dangerous collisions are an unavoidable aspect of MLB, as evidenced by the collision between Luis Arraez and Mauricio Dubón on April 20, which resulted in a concussion for Arraez. This incident, along with another collision involving Romy Gonzalez, raised concerns about safety at the first base bag. While the size of the first base bag was increased as a measure to enhance safety, it remains a focal point for preventable injuries. A viable solution could involve adopting a double-sided first base bag, a concept already utilized in slow-pitch softball and some collegiate baseball leagues. This design offers separate bases for the batter and fielder, potentially minimizing injury risks without adversely affecting gameplay. The notion has garnered support, including from San Diego Padres manager Mike Schildt, who has expressed openness to MLB exploring this innovative solution.

Another ongoing issue is the prospect promotion process, which is impacted by the collective bargaining agreement established in 2022 that introduced Prospect Promotion Incentives (PPI). The intention was to encourage teams to promote top prospects earlier by rewarding teams with additional draft picks if their rookies excelled, notably in awards like Rookie of the Year. Although instances of teams successfully utilizing this incentive, such as the Seattle Mariners with Julio Rodríguez, have emerged, it is clear that other franchises continue to prioritize control over their players' service time, even in cases where a player's potential is evident. The solution may lie in incentivizing teams further, perhaps by expanding the benefits tied to draft picks for players placing within the top voting positions for Rookie of the Year, thereby reducing instances of service-time manipulation.

The Colorado Rockies currently find themselves on track to break the record for the most losses in a single season, with a staggering 9-45 performance through the first 54 games, marking the worst start in MLB history. This troubling trend raises questions about competitive integrity within the league. Previous seasons have spotlighted teams such as the Chicago White Sox, which set a modern record with 121 losses, and the Oakland Athletics with a dreadful 10-44 record the preceding year. To address excessive losing, a logical approach could involve imposing financial penalties for teams reaching the 100-loss threshold, similar to how playoff successes yield financial rewards. Such a system would serve to deter teams from entering prolonged periods of mediocrity.

Despite the Rockies' performance, the overall competitive balance within MLB appears stable. Notably, no team secured over 100 wins in 2024, and it is plausible this trend may continue in 2025. However, the significant disparity in payroll continues to be a contentious issue, with the Los Angeles Dodgers' luxury-tax payroll eclipsing the combined salaries of the four lowest-spending teams. Moreover, the four highest payrolls in 2025 correlate strongly with the best team records. Potential reforms aimed at addressing this financial discrepancy could include the introduction of a salary cap and floor, which would likely prompt pushback from the MLB Players Association. In addition, exploring measures such as increased revenue-sharing and stringent luxury-tax penalties may foster a more equitable financial landscape across the league. Advocating for accountability for team owners whose franchises consistently languish in the bottom tier of payroll and performance could also contribute to a healthier competitive environment.