The future outlook for Major League Baseball appears promising, yet current challenges are creating notable concerns as the 2025 season unfolds. Despite enhancements to gameplay, five key issues are overshadowing the league. Among these, only two are directly related to the on-field play, while the others primarily focus on organizational decisions and the competitive nature of teams across the league.

One pressing issue highlighted in a report by Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is the alteration of the strike zone's interpretation in 2025. While the official rules governing the strike zone remain unchanged, umpires' calls on the field have become more stringent. This has led to a higher walk rate and confusion for hitters and pitchers due to more balls being called strikes within the zone. However, this adjustment has also contributed to a reduction in strikeouts and an increase in balls in play, marking a positive trend. The implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) is under consideration, with favorable testing results from spring training showcasing the technology's potential to enhance accuracy in officiating.

Another significant concern is safety, particularly regarding collisions at first base. The serious injury suffered by Luis Arraez during a collision on April 20 raised alarms about player safety in these moments. Although the first base bag has been enlarged to mitigate such injuries, there may still be opportunities for further improvement. The suggestion to adopt double-sided first base bags, akin to those used in slow-pitch softball and college baseball, has been supported by several figures within the sport. This design enhances safety by creating separate bases for the defender and baserunner, potentially reducing the risk of injury in collisions.

Amidst these safety concerns, the Prospect Promotion Incentives from the 2022 collective bargaining agreement also warrant examination. While the incentives aimed to encourage teams to promote top prospects earlier, some teams continue to exercise caution in promoting their talent to maximize control periods. Notably, the experience of Paul Skenes demonstrates that teams can benefit from early promotions while still gaining a draft pick upon winning accolades like Rookie of the Year. To encourage teams to promote prospects, expanding the PPI benefits could create further incentives, such as bonuses for players who rank high in Rookie of the Year voting.

The performance of the Colorado Rockies has brought further scrutiny to competitive balance within MLB. With a historically poor record of 9-45 in the early stages of the season, they have drawn attention to the need for strategies to address excessive losing. While a promotion and relegation system akin to what is seen in English soccer remains unlikely, some propose implementing financial penalties for teams that consistently underperform. Establishing fines beginning at 100 losses per season could create a financial disincentive for teams to settle into a losing pattern, encouraging a commitment to competitive integrity.

Despite some teams facing challenging circumstances, the overall competitive balance within MLB appears stable. Nevertheless, the substantial payroll disparities provoke conversation about the financial structures of the league. For instance, the Los Angeles Dodgers are recognized for their significant luxury-tax payroll, which surpasses the combined expenditures of the four lowest payroll teams. Although high spending does not guarantee success, historical patterns show that substantial payrolls often correlate with postseason success. As the league contemplates reforms, discussions surrounding a salary cap and increased revenue sharing could shape the future landscape of MLB.

Addressing these challenges will require collaborative efforts from team owners, executives, and players alike. A sustained commitment to promoting player safety, fostering competitive integrity, and exploring equitable financial practices could enhance the future of Major League Baseball as it navigates obstacles in the present.