With the MLB Season in reach, the Los Angeles Dodgers are back and better than ever, with no intention of being dethroned. The world champions have their eyes set on a return to glory, but the shake-ups around the league will set the stage for 2025. From giant free-agent signings to rule changes, the 2025 MLB Season has a lot in store for fans everywhere.
What’s New
A couple of years ago, the MLB implemented the extra-innings rule, placing a runner on second base to begin extra innings. The league was defending against long, grueling extra-inning games that felt as if they wouldn’t end. While that had positive feedback, the MLB still struggled with the pace of play in regulation innings. To combat this, they imposed a pitch clock so that games could move even faster than before. These two rule changes helped the MLB immensely, but there is always room for improvement for a game with this many rules.
In 2025, the MLB is implementing two revisions of older rules that need to be updated. The first revision is to the shift change rule from 2023, not allowing infielders to play in an unwarranted position. In the revision, an infielder violating this rule will be charged with an error, and the batter will receive a free base. The second revision comes from the rule regarding runners going through a base other than the first base on a force play. Runners may not run through a base to have a lead runner advance another base before they are tagged out. Those two rules will make the game much more fair, but the third change is what fans have dreaded for years.
While this rule may not be implemented this season, the Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) is on its way. Balls and Strikes will soon be able to be challenged by either the batter or pitcher if they feel strongly. This system takes a lot of the human aspect out of the game, and fans have mixed opinions on the situation.
Show Me The Money
Some of the MLB’s biggest stars found new homes this offseason, and some landed monster contracts. The lack of a salary cap continues to prove that rich teams will dominate free agency. Even Shohei Ohtani’s record contract was broken by another National League team, but the Dodgers continued to spend.
The Dodgers added two impactful pitchers after all of the success their rotation had last year. Blake Snell, two-time Cy Young award winner, signed for 5 years/$182 million to become one of the highest-paid pitchers in baseball. Roki Sasaki signed a one-year deal for $6.5 million as one of Japan’s best pitching prospects ever. They also resigned two players from last year’s starting lineup, Teoscar Hernandez and Tommy Edman. Those two players alone totaled $130.5 million from their respective contracts. As a whole, the Dodgers guaranteed nearly $470 million to upgrade their star-studded lineup.
Making A Move
Many teams were active this offseason, looking to make a run into the postseason by adding key pieces. The New York Mets broke the internet with their newest addition, and it only took a record-breaking contract.
The New York Mets signed star outfielder Juan Soto to a 15-year/$765 million contract. This deal made Soto the highest-paid player in MLB history, thanks to owner Steve Cohen. Last year, he batted .288, with 41 home runs and 109 runs batted in.
The Mets’ cross-town rival, the New York Yankees, made some big moves of their own this offseason. They signed Braves left-handed pitcher Max Fried for eight years/ $218 million to make him one of the highest-paid left-handers of all time. Fried had an 11-10 record, with a 3.25 earned runs average last season.
The Boston Red Sox also carved out a good offseason, signing a big free agent and making a blockbuster trade. Alex Bregman, long-time Houston Astro, settled in Boston on a three-year/$120 million contract. The Sox traded their young talent for a veteran left-hander in Garrett Crochet, a big piece for their rotation.
Star Shortstop Willy Adames landed in the Bay to sign with the San Francisco Giants for a monster deal. Adames is guaranteed $182 million over seven years to play shortstop for the Giants. After a 153-hit season for Milwaukee last year, Adames looks to take the Giants on a playoff run as the face of the franchise.
The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs both landed stars to turn the franchise around. The Diamondbacks signed right-hander Corbin Burnes to a six-year/$210 million deal. Then, the Cubs traded for star outfielder Kyle Tucker, a phenomenal pickup to add to their offense.
Going All The Way
At the end of last season, it was clear that the Dodgers were the best team in baseball because of their roster. So, with an even better roster this season, who will stop them if they stay healthy? On top of that, Shohei Ohtani is returning to the pitcher’s mound, trying to continue his dominance.
One team to look out for is the Atlanta Braves, coming off a year riddled with injuries. With the return of Ronald Acuna Jr and ace Spencer Strider, this will always be a team that can contend for a championship. When these two players are healthy, they are arguably the best players in their respective positions.
While the Red Sox are in a tough division, they added some key pieces that may put them over the hump. Alex Bregman is an all-star caliber third baseman and a great leader for their upcoming young talent. Garrett Crochet is a flame-throwing lefty who has the potential to contend for a Cy Young award in the American League.
The Cincinnati Reds have the chance to win the NL Central by returning some of their great offensive players. Legendary head coach Terry Francona leads this young Reds team with the chance of surprising many people. In less than 90 games in 2023, infielder Matt Mclain recorded 106 hits. Combined with flashy shortstop Elly de la Cruz, this Reds infield could do major damage.
The Baltimore Orioles showed off their young talent last season, having the youngest average age for a playoff team. Gunnar Henderson put on a show in his sophomore season, batting .281 with 37 home runs and 92 runs batted in. If their ace, Grayson Rodriguez, can stay healthy, the Orioles will be a serious threat to every AL team.
