Batting Around: Forecasting MLB’s Next Five Years – Top Players, Teams, and Transformative Changes

The Next Five Years in MLB: CBS Sports Experts Predict the Future of Baseball

As we move closer to the latter half of the 2020s, the CBS Sports MLB experts are diving deep into predictions about baseball’s future. Through their weekly Batting Around roundtable discussions, they explore a wide range of topics—from the latest news to historical debates and bold forecasts. Last week, they debated Corbin Burnes’ potential trajectory. This week, they’re taking a broader approach, tackling big questions about the next five years in Major League Baseball. Who will be the league’s best player? Which team will dominate? What significant changes are on the horizon? Let’s dive into their insights.

Who Will Be MLB’s Best Player Over the Next Five Years?

R.J. Anderson: The field is wide open for this one. Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, and Juan Soto are all logical choices, but I’m going with Gunnar Henderson. At just 24 years old, Henderson is entering what could be the most productive years of his career. He’s already delivered massive performances, and his ability to produce 35+ home runs annually, especially as a shortstop, places him firmly in the “best player” conversation. Even if this is his peak, it’s an extraordinary one.

Dayn Perry: While it’s tempting to stick with the usual suspects, I’m betting on Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. He’s a former No. 2 overall pick, just 24 years old, and fresh off a stellar 2024 season with a 9.4 WAR. Witt has a complete skillset—speed, power, defense, durability—and those attributes suggest he’ll continue to thrive. I think he’s the player to watch over the next five years.

Matt Snyder: I’m holding out hope for Ronald Acuña Jr. to remain healthy throughout the remainder of the 2020s. Still just 27, Acuña showcased his potential in 2023 with an elite performance. While I don’t expect him to post 8.2 WAR every season, he’s absolutely capable of maintaining that level of excellence into his early 30s. Acuña is my pick.

Mike Axisa: I’m with Dayn on this one—Bobby Witt Jr. is my choice. He’s an exceptional all-around player, excelling in every aspect of the game, from hitting and power to defense and speed. However, I also want to highlight Jackson Chourio and Fernando Tatis Jr. Chourio’s pure hitting ability is phenomenal, and Tatis, who turns 26 this month, has been consistently elite since his debut. The 2025–30 seasons could be Tatis’ peak years. While Witt is my top pick, Henderson and Tatis are close behind, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Tatis leads MLB in WAR over the next five years.

What Will Be the Best Team Over the Next Five Years?

R.J. Anderson: My pick is the Los Angeles Dodgers. They’re not only the reigning champions but also boast one of the most well-run organizations in all of professional sports. With a deep roster of stars, a brilliant front office, and ownership willing to invest, the Dodgers have the tools to remain at the top. Their ability to sustain success for over a decade is unmatched, and I expect them to continue their dominance.

Dayn Perry: While I’d like to pick a less obvious team like the Red Sox, the Dodgers are simply the safest choice. They have everything—elite talent, substantial revenues, young players in the pipeline, and a smart front office. There’s no need to overthink this—the Dodgers are the clear frontrunners to be the best team of the next five years.

Matt Snyder: It might seem too obvious, but the Dodgers are the correct answer. Their financial resources, organizational depth, and ability to build an exceptional farm system make them nearly unstoppable. They consistently attract top free agents and maintain a winning culture. Even with the unpredictability of playoff formats, the Dodgers are guaranteed to contend year after year.

Mike Axisa: It’s hard to see any team outpacing the Dodgers. They’re excellent at every aspect of team-building—drafting, trades, free agency, and player development. While teams like the Orioles and Yankees could be contenders, the Dodgers’ sustained excellence and resources make them the best bet for dominance through 2030.

What Will Be the Biggest Change in MLB Over the Next Five Years?

R.J. Anderson: I foresee a fundamental shift in how pitching staffs are managed. Instead of traditional rotations with five starters and a bullpen, some teams will fully embrace a mix-and-match approach, similar to what we see during the playoffs. It’s a strategy that’s been predicted for years, and I believe it’s coming sooner than we think.

Dayn Perry: By 2026, MLB will adopt an automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system. However, I predict that by the end of the decade, MLB will fully automate the strike zone, relying entirely on technology to call balls and strikes. This evolution will significantly improve the game.

Matt Snyder: The collapse of regional sports networks (RSNs) will force teams to focus on putting a competitive product on the field to attract fans. This could reduce tanking and lead to a more balanced league. However, the financial challenges could also widen the gap between large- and small-market teams, potentially reigniting debates about implementing a salary cap.

Mike Axisa: The shifting television landscape is the biggest issue MLB faces. With RSNs struggling, MLB will need to adapt to new revenue models, such as a league-wide streaming service. While this could lead to more competitive teams and blackout-free games for fans, it also poses significant financial risks for the league.

How Many Teams Will MLB Have in 2030?

R.J. Anderson: While MLB will still have 30 teams on the field in 2030, I believe expansion plans for 32 teams will be in place by the early 2030s. Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed a desire to initiate this process before his term ends.

Dayn Perry: Expansion seems inevitable, but logistical challenges—such as resolving stadium issues for the Athletics and Rays—will likely delay it. I expect MLB to remain at 30 teams through 2030, with plans for 32 teams emerging shortly after.

Matt Snyder: It’s unlikely we’ll see expansion before 2032. Both the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas and the Rays’ new stadium must be settled first. Assuming no major setbacks, MLB could begin the expansion process by the end of the decade.

Mike Axisa: While MLB will still have 30 active teams in 2030, I believe two new franchises will be officially announced by then. The massive expansion fees will be too enticing for owners to ignore, especially given the league’s financial challenges. These new teams could debut by 2032, reshaping the league’s structure.

Final Thoughts:
The next five years promise to bring exciting changes to Major League Baseball. From rising stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson to the continued dominance of the Dodgers, the future looks bright. At the same time, challenges such as the evolving media landscape and potential changes to league structures will test MLB’s adaptability. As we move toward 2030, one thing is clear: the game of baseball is poised for transformation.