As Major League Baseball (MLB) moves further into the 2025 season, the organization faces several significant challenges that require attention. While there are aspects of the game that show promise, several underlying issues have emerged that complicate the landscape for teams and fans alike. Notably, only a couple of these challenges directly relate to the gameplay, which, after years of long games and a reliance on three-true-outcomes, appears to be in a solid state.

One pressing issue is the reported contraction of the strike zone in 2025, as highlighted in a report by Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal. While the rules governing the strike zone remain unchanged, umpires' assessments have seemingly shifted, leading to less generous calls. This has resulted in a lower strikeout rate and an increase in balls put into play, but it has also raised confusion among hitters and pitchers due to more balls entering the zone and a higher walk rate. The implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike system (ABS) could provide a solution, as results from spring training indicated that a significant percentage of ball-strike challenges were successful, and the time lost due to disputes was minimal. Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed hope for its implementation in regular-season games, pending agreement from the MLB Players Association.

Injuries caused by collisions at first base are another serious concern highlighted by incidents involving players Luis Arraez and Maricio Dubón. The current first base design, despite being larger than in the past, has not fully eliminated these incidents, suggesting more robust solutions are required. One viable option is adopting a double-sided first base bag, which separates the baserunner and the defender, a concept successfully implemented in slow-pitch softball and college baseball. Following Arraez's injury, some coaches, including San Diego Padres' Mike Schildt, have supported the idea, citing the potential for reducing injury risks without detracting from the game's flow.

Another challenge originates from the collective bargaining agreement established in 2022, which introduced Prospect Promotion Incentives aimed at encouraging teams to promote young talent earlier. While some teams have rewarded their rising stars with opportunities to compete at the major league level, others have opted to delay promotions to extend their control periods. The case of Paul Skenes serves as a cautionary example for teams that manipulate service time; however, expanding the incentive program could encourage more teams to promote their top players by rewarding not only Rookie of the Year winners but also players who place high in voting.

The Colorado Rockies are currently on track to set a dubious record for the most losses in a single MLB season, with their 9-45 record highlighting a concerning trend of prolonged struggle within the league. This marks the third consecutive year where a team has stood out as exceptionally weak, raising questions about competitive balance in the MLB. Solutions to address sustained poor performance may be necessary. One proposition involves implementing financial penalties for teams that reach a threshold of consecutive losses, incentivizing better management and performance by making excessive losing financially punitive.

While overall competitive balance in the league is acceptable as demonstrated by the absence of any teams reaching 100 wins last season, the vast disparity in payrolls remains a critical issue. The Los Angeles Dodgers' payroll is more than the combined total for the bottom four teams, illustrating a growing divide. The final four teams in the playoffs largely matched the trend, consisting primarily of the highest spenders. Possible paths for resolving the financial imbalance could include pursuing a salary cap in future negotiations, as well as encouraging increased revenue sharing among franchises. However, these solutions face hurdles, particularly regarding their acceptance by the MLB Players Association, which may remain resistant to restrictions on salaries. As these discussions unfold, potential measures such as increased penalties for luxury tax violation could support a more balanced financial environment.

As MLB navigates these challenges, it is critical for the league to prioritize innovative solutions that promote both game integrity and player well-being. Engaging in thoughtful discussions about structural changes and player development strategies may ultimately benefit the sport and its stakeholders.