As Major League Baseball (MLB) progresses through the early months of the 2025 season, the league faces several significant challenges that will require attention and solutions. While the gameplay itself is in a relatively stable condition, issues largely stem from management and organizational practices that could hinder competitiveness. Among the various problems identified, this article will discuss five noteworthy issues, alongside suggested resolutions, that are shaping the landscape of MLB this season.

One prominent challenge involves the current size of the strike zone, as highlighted by a report from Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Although the guidelines governing the strike zone remain unchanged, the way MLB assesses umpire calls has shifted, resulting in a perceived smaller strike zone. This change has led to a rise in both walk rates and confusion amongst hitters and pitchers alike, despite beneficial effects such as a reduced strikeout rate and an increase in balls in play. The implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) explored during spring training appears to hold promise for alleviating some of these issues. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic about the technology's potential for regular-season and postseason games, pending approval from the MLB Players Association.

Another concern relates to player safety, specifically regarding collisions at first base. A notable incident occurred on April 20, when Luis Arraez suffered a concussion after colliding with Mauricio Dubón. While MLB has already expanded the size of the first base bag to mitigate risks, the issue of collisions remains significant. Implementing a double-sided first base bag, already used in slow-pitch softball and some college baseball, could be an effective solution. The approach offers separate bases for runners and fielders, reducing potential injuries while maintaining the flow of the game. Padres manager Mike Schildt has expressed openness to this shift, reinforcing the viability of this proposal within MLB.

The landscape of player development also presents complexities, particularly concerning the Prospect Promotion Incentives established in the new collective bargaining agreement of 2022. Although the intention behind these incentives was to encourage teams to promote young talent sooner—evidenced by players like Julio Rodríguez earning extra draft picks—the reality remains that several organizations continue to hold back top prospects to extend their control periods. The plight of players like Paul Skenes and the current treatment of Roman Anthony and Bubba Chandler exemplify this ongoing challenge. To counteract this trend, MLB could consider expanding benefits for rookie promotions that lead to recognition in the Rookie of the Year voting, thereby further motivating teams to elevate their prospects to the major leagues.

In terms of competitive dynamics within the league, the Colorado Rockies have emerged as a significant point of discussion. With a historic record of 9-45 through the first 54 games of the 2025 season, they risk establishing a troubling precedent for repeated ineffectiveness. Their performance highlights a broader issue within MLB, as consistent underperformance can detrimentally affect the league's reputation. While a system rooted in relegation and promotion may be unrealistic for MLB, introducing financial penalties for teams that consistently post poor records could foster accountability and encourage a more competitive environment among franchises.

Finally, the issue of payroll disparity among teams cannot be overlooked. The Los Angeles Dodgers' luxury-tax payroll exceeds that of the bottom four teams combined, illuminating a stark divide that has implications for competitiveness. With the top spenders correlating more often with successful outcomes in the postseason, the prevailing narrative around spending in MLB persists. While various suggestions, such as enhanced revenue sharing and stricter penalties for teams exceeding payroll limits, have been presented as potential solutions, the complexities of implementing a salary cap remain contentious. The league's leadership continues to seek balance within this ecosystem—addressing both small-market challenges and the financial capacities of larger franchises while maintaining competitive integrity. The dialogue surrounding accountability for ownership and financial practices remains an ongoing consideration for the future of MLB.