KANSAS CITY — The 2025 Major League Baseball season kicks off with an exciting three-game series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, starting Thursday, March 27, 2025. This matchup not only marks the beginning of a new season but also highlights the potential for thrilling performances from both teams.
The opening game is set to begin at 4:10 p.m. EDT, with the Guardians sending right-handed pitcher Tanner Bibee to the mound against the Royals' ace lefty Cole Ragans. This matchup promises to be a battle of skill, as both pitchers have shown their prowess in previous seasons. Bibee, making his first Opening Day start, finished the 2024 season with a record of 12 wins and 8 losses, boasting a solid ERA of 3.47. Meanwhile, Ragans, who has established himself as a top contender for the American League Cy Young award, ended last season with an impressive 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA.
Fans can catch the action live on CleGuardians.TV and WTAM/1100, ensuring that supporters of both teams can follow their favorite players as they take the field. The series will continue with two more games, featuring Gavin Williams against Seth Lugo on Saturday, March 29, at 4:10 p.m. EDT, and Luis Ortiz facing Michael Wacha on Sunday, March 30, at 2:10 p.m. EDT.
Last season, the Guardians faced the Royals 13 times, with Kansas City winning 8 of those matchups. Historically, the Guardians lead the overall series 425-373, but the Royals are looking to capitalize on their recent success against Cleveland. Bibee had a successful run against the Royals last year, going 2-0 in four starts, while Williams also performed well, achieving a 1-1 record with a 2.25 ERA in two starts.
On the offensive side, the Guardians will rely heavily on the bat of Jose Ramirez, who hit .308 with three home runs and nine RBIs against the Royals in 2024. Ramirez's ability to perform in crucial moments could be a game-changer for Cleveland. The Royals, on the other hand, will count on their star player Bobby Witt Jr., who had a stellar season last year with a .347 batting average, four home runs, and seven RBIs against the Guardians.
As the season opens, both teams are dealing with injuries that could impact their performance. The Guardians will start the season missing several key players, including right-handers Shane Bieber and Trevor Stephen, both recovering from elbow injuries. Left-handers James Means and Erik Sabrowski are also on the injured list, along with utility player David Fry and right-hander Slade Cecconi. The Royals are similarly affected, with right-handers Alex Marsh and Kyle Wright sidelined due to shoulder and hamstring issues, respectively. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is day-to-day with a hamstring strain.
The Royals enter the season with high expectations after a remarkable turnaround in 2024, where they transformed a dismal 106-loss season into a playoff berth. They finished second in the American League Central and made a postseason appearance, defeating the Baltimore Orioles in the wild card round before falling to the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series. This year, with new additions like Jonathan India and Carlos Estevez, the Royals are eager to build on their success.
As the teams prepare for this exciting season opener, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Royals Rundown podcast is already discussing the team's prospects for 2025, featuring bold predictions and insights from fans and writers alike. The hosts are eager to explore whether the Royals can contend for the AL Central title and who might emerge as the team's MVP, aside from Witt Jr.
The Royals and Guardians rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to this season opener. With both teams looking to establish dominance early in the season, fans can expect a competitive atmosphere at Kauffman Stadium. The stakes are high, and every game counts in the long journey of the baseball season.
Looking ahead, the Guardians will face the San Diego Padres in a three-game series at Petco Park starting Monday, April 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the Royals will continue their homestand against the Guardians before heading to Milwaukee for a series against the Brewers. As the season unfolds, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses, making every matchup crucial.
In summary, the opening series between the Guardians and Royals not only marks the start of the 2025 MLB season but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating year of baseball. With both teams eager to prove themselves, fans should prepare for a thrilling weekend of action.
