The landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2025 is marred by several issues that have emerged during the early months of the season. While the gameplay has shown improvement in certain areas, the overarching concerns stem primarily from organizational decisions rather than the on-field action itself. This analysis will delve into five significant challenges currently affecting the league, shedding light on potential solutions for each.

One major concern is the reported shrinking of the strike zone, as highlighted in a recent report by Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. While the fundamental rules governing the strike zone remain unchanged, the way umpires perceive and call the zone has resulted in a smaller effective strike zone. This shift has led to a decrease in strikeouts and an increase in balls in play, which sounds promising at first glance. However, it has simultaneously resulted in more pitches being classified as strikes within the zone and a higher walk rate, leading to confusion among both hitters and pitchers. Implementing the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), which has shown positive results in spring training this year, could alleviate these issues by reducing bad calls and streamlining game time.

Another pressing issue is the health and safety of players, particularly in light of notable injuries caused by collisions at first base. Recent incidents involving players such as Luis Arraez and Romy Gonzalez raise concerns about the potential for such injuries to escalate into a systemic problem. The use of a double-sided first base bag, a concept utilized in slow-pitch softball and by some college baseball programs, has been suggested as a means to reduce the risk of collisions. The implementation of this safety measure could significantly lower injury rates without negatively impacting the flow of the game. Meanwhile, teams are challenged by the need to promote young talent responsibly within the confines of their organizational strategies. Despite initiatives like the Prospect Promotion Incentives introduced in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement, some franchises still hesitate to promote top prospects to extend their control over players. Expanding the incentives to reward players who place within the top three for Rookie of the Year votes could encourage teams to embrace a more aggressive approach to player development.

The situation in Colorado highlights another area of concern: competitive balance throughout the league. The Colorado Rockies' struggles have resulted in a shocking 9-45 record, putting them on pace to shatter records for most losses in a season. This downturn is not an isolated incident, as previous seasons have seen similarly poor performances from other franchises. Addressing the issue of excessive losing may require the league to consider penalizing teams financially based on their performance, particularly for those who consistently finish with losing records. A system of fines activated after a team reaches a specific loss threshold could create a financial disincentive to remain in the cellar of the league standings.

Finally, the issue of payroll disparity remains a focal point for many within MLB. The Los Angeles Dodgers have a luxury-tax payroll exceeding the combined totals of the league's bottom four teams, highlighting the significant financial divide in player expenditure. As competitive parity is key to maintaining fan interest, accountability mechanisms for team owners who consistently fail to invest adequately in their franchises may be necessary. Proposals for a salary cap and greater revenue-sharing between teams have surfaced as potential solutions but face resistance from the MLB Players Association. Addressing these financial disparities could lead to a more balanced competitive environment, ultimately benefiting the league and its fans.