What to Expect During the 2025 MLB Season

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, baseball fans have plenty to look forward to. From rule changes to exciting projections, here's what you can expect in the upcoming season.

Rule Changes
Major League Baseball has introduced two significant rule changes for 2025. The first tightens the shift rule, which was initially implemented to prevent extreme defensive alignments. Now, if a fielder violates the shift rule and is the first to touch the ball, the batter will be granted first base, and any baserunners will advance one base. This change serves as a strong deterrent against teams attempting to circumvent the existing rule.

The second rule change affects replay reviews, though specific details have not been disclosed. These modifications aim to prevent teams from exploiting loopholes in the current system.

Projected Standings and Playoff Odds
The PECOTA projections for the 2025 season offer some intriguing insights:
Dodgers Dominance: The reigning World Series champions are projected to win 104 games, with over 99% odds of making the playoffs. Their star-studded roster, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, makes them heavy favorites.
- AL East Battle: The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are expected to engage in another tight race for the division title, with only one game separating them in the projections.
- Rangers' Resurgence: After missing the playoffs in 2024, the Texas Rangers are projected to return to postseason contention, leading a competitive AL West.
- Cubs on Top: The Chicago Cubs are forecasted to win the NL Central for the first time since 2020, dethroning the Milwaukee Brewers.
- AL Central Surprise: Despite sending three teams to the playoffs in 2024, the AL Central is projected to have a new division champion in 2025 - the Minnesota Twins.

Player Position Changes
Several star players will be adjusting to new positions in 2025:
- Mookie Betts (Dodgers): Moving to shortstop full-time after experimenting with the position in 2024.
- Jose Altuve (Astros): Potentially shifting to left field.
- Mike Trout (Angels): Transitioning to right field.

These changes could significantly impact team dynamics and individual player performance throughout the season.

Free Agency and Trades
The offseason has seen some notable moves that will shape the 2025 season:
- The Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman and acquired Garrett Crochet via trade, significantly bolstering their roster.
- The Los Angeles Angels added Kyle Hendricks to their pitching staff.
- The Atlanta Braves retained Marcell Ozuna and traded Jorge Soler to the Angels.

As the season approaches, fans should keep an eye on remaining free agents like Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, and Blake Snell, whose signings could dramatically alter the competitive landscape.

Emerging Talents
The 2025 season may see the arrival of highly-touted prospects, particularly for teams like the Boston Red Sox, who have managed to improve their roster while retaining top prospects such as Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kristian Campbell.

The 2025 MLB season promises to be an exciting one, with rule changes aimed at improving gameplay, intriguing projections that suggest both continued dominance and potential surprises, and player movements that could reshape team dynamics. As always, the beauty of baseball lies in its unpredictability, and fans should be prepared for a season full of thrilling moments and unexpected turns.