After the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in October, the reigning champions are expected to be among the best-performing teams in the upcoming season.
With Spring Training in full force, fans see changes within teams and the league. Not only are there changes in mentality for teams like the Mets, Diamondbacks, and Braves. The MLB is also keeping its promise to ensure the integrity of the game.
Following many unfortunate occurrences with umpires in past seasons and the firing of Umpire Pat Hoberg due to sports gambling, the league is getting its first look at robot umpires.
The computerized system focuses on calling balls, strikes, and a challenge system. The MLB is currently testing it in spring training and farm systems. Commissioner Rob Manfred stated the system could appear as early as 2026. The Automated Ball-Strike System will aid umpires rather than replace them.
Following Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays lack a major league stadium. With talks of playing in Orlando at ESPN Worldwide of Sports, the Rays move to the Yankees Spring Training facility in Tampa for the 2025 regular season.
With Opening Day just a month away, the MLB has big plans for big games this year.
The Dodgers will open the season on Mar. 27 in a two-game series in Tokyo facing the Chicago Cubs. 26 other teams will see action on that date to start a clean slate.
Atlanta, Georgia will host the 95th MLB All-Star Game on Jul. 15 at Truist Park, replacing their 2021 All-Star Game that was moved to Denver, Colorado.
The Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves will play in the MLB Speedway Classic on Aug. 21 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.
Free agency and roster moves were less prevalent than in the prior season, but some notable teams secured key players.
The New York Mets spent big money by locking down outfielder Juan Soto to a 15-year $765 million contract.
Starting pitcher Max Fried signs with the New York Yankees for an eight-year $218 million contract to help make another World Series run.
Following the Arizona Diamondbacks postseason miss, they lock down starting pitcher Corbin Burnes to a six-year $210 million contract.
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to add depth to their rotation by signing starting pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year $182 million contract and the Japanese rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki to a minor league contract for six years and a $6.5 million bonus.
The Atlanta Braves bulk up their outfield roster, adding Jurickson Profar for three years and $42 million.
Spring training is in full swing, and baseball is back.
