Baseball is back: What to expect after MLB Opening Day 2025
One hundred seventy-eight days have inched by since baseball fans like myself watched the Major League Baseball 2024 regular season come to a close. One hundred forty-seven days have passed since the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed the World Series title following a 4-1 series win over the New York Yankees.
The wait is finally over. The sun is shining, the weather is warming up and Opening Day 2025 is at last upon us.
Twenty-eight teams opened their seasons on Thursday, March 27. The opening game between the Colorado Rockies and the Tampa Bay Rays will take place on March 28 to allow an extra day for the Yankees’ spring training facility, George M. Steinbrenner Field, to be converted to the Rays’ home field.
Tampa Bay was forced out of Tropicana Field following the devastating damages caused by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. According to the Bleacher Report, the impact of the hurricane left the team’s home stadium structurally unsafe, prompting the Rays to seek alternative venues for at least the first half of the season. While the team has made efforts to stay competitive amidst the hardship, the temporary relocation will undoubtedly test their resilience and fan support.
The Significance of Opening Day
Opening Day is more than just the start of a new season — it’s a baseball holiday. Fans flood stadiums across the country, eager to see their teams begin the long journey toward October. The first games of the season set the tone for teams and bring renewed hope to fanbases everywhere. Historically, Opening Day has been home to legendary moments, from Hank Aaron tying Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974 to President William Howard Taft throwing the first ceremonial pitch in 1910, a tradition that carries on today.
Key Opening Series to Watch
This year’s Opening Day slate was filled with intriguing matchups. The reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers began their title defense at home against the Detroit Tigers, a team looking to bounce back after a disappointing exit from the 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, the Yankees began their redemption run on their home turf, facing the Milwaukee Brewers.
Other must-watch games included the San Diego Padres hosting the Atlanta Braves and the Arizona Diamondbacks hosting the Chicago Cubs, a National League matchup with the possibilities of early-season implications.
Teams and Players to Watch
As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani, who enters his second year with the Dodgers — can he continue to dominate both at the plate and on the mound? The Baltimore Orioles, fresh off a runner up place in the American League East, aim to prove they are legitimate contenders, while the Yankees look to defend their American League pennant and return to the World Series.
Additionally, keep an eye on rising stars like Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford and Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes, all of whom made a lot of noise in their 2024 rookie seasons and have the potential to continue making an impact.
With excitement building and storylines unfolding, Opening Day 2025 is shaping up to be one for the books. Baseball is back, and the road to the Fall Classic starts now.
