[FantasyDrafter]

IAFAs are better scouted over a longer period in 25 vs 23, but to get a player that the AI considers to be at the top end, you still need to spend your entire IAFA budget to get them. The AI will, and long sims show that the highest scouted players in the game for the next 100 seasons are 95% 1st round picks and max $ IAFAs.

This year the editor ratings have been multiplied by 2 and 80 scouted/rated players are more rare (and in my experience become even more rare as the sim progresses).

New game mode this year is “coming soon”. Perhaps in the next update but I haven’t seen it mentioned much on the forums.

Dev focus and lab is cosmetic as currently implemented (hard lab programs can move the needle a bit). Theoretically I think it could be a great idea.

Development in general seems very programmed/predictable on default settings. I have resisted the urge to try to tweak it myself, waiting for the next patch.

There is obviously a pretty significant roster update from 2023 - 2025

Rule 5 draft is intentionally programmed incorrectly (does not follow mlb rules) and has been for many versions of the game apparently, became much more obvious this year because of questionable minor league AI management. Not sure if the in game impact is significant since on default the development of players is very predictable (most of the players are unlikely to be drafted), but there are many players every season who are rule 5 eligible who should not be.

If you haven’t purchased, I would definitely see what the consensus is after the patch that could be out today.