Major League Baseball (MLB) is officially kicking off its 2025 season with a full slate of games on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The excitement is palpable as fans gear up for another thrilling year of America’s pastime. The season technically began last week with the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the Chicago Cubs in the MLB Tokyo Series, but now it’s time for teams to step onto their home fields and start the grind toward the postseason.
Opening Day features a series of marquee matchups, including the Dodgers hosting the Detroit Tigers, and the Milwaukee Brewers facing off against the New York Yankees. Fans can catch all the action through various streaming services, including MLB.TV, which provides access to out-of-market games, and FuboTV, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
As the season commences, predictions are swirling regarding which teams will rise to the occasion and which will falter. A panel of 28 writers, analysts, and editors from ESPN has weighed in on their forecasts for the season, covering everything from division winners to individual awards.
In the American League East, the Boston Red Sox have emerged as the favorite among voters, garnering 13 votes. The Baltimore Orioles, with a promising young core led by Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, received 10 votes, while the New York Yankees, now without star Juan Soto, were picked by 3. Analysts noted that the Red Sox made significant roster improvements during the offseason, including acquiring Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman. However, concerns linger regarding the health of their pitching staff, particularly with Walker Buehler’s performance and Garrett Crochet’s recovery.
Meanwhile, in the AL Central, the Kansas City Royals are projected to take the division, receiving 12 votes, closely followed by the Detroit Tigers with 11. The Royals’ strategy of bolstering their lineup with Jonathan India and relying on the talents of Bobby Witt Jr. could pay dividends. Analysts believe the Tigers have the best pitcher in the league, Tarik Skubal, and a Rookie of the Year contender in Jackson Jobe, making this division one of the most competitive.
The AL West sees the Texas Rangers as the overwhelming favorite, with 18 votes. Analysts are optimistic about their bounce-back potential after a disappointing 2024 season. The Seattle Mariners, with their strong pitching staff, are also seen as contenders, while the Houston Astros face uncertainty after losing key players like Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker.
In the National League, the Atlanta Braves are favored to win the East, receiving 18 votes, thanks to a healthy roster led by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. However, the Philadelphia Phillies are not far behind, with 9 votes, bolstered by a potent rotation and the addition of Jesús Luzardo. The New York Mets, despite acquiring Juan Soto, received only one vote, reflecting skepticism about their pitching depth.
The NL Central is a tightly contested race, with the Chicago Cubs emerging as the favorite with 15 votes. The Cubs’ acquisition of Kyle Tucker is seen as a game-changer. In contrast, the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds also received votes, but analysts are unsure about their ability to compete consistently.
As for the NL West, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the clear favorites, with all 28 voters predicting they will win the division. The Dodgers, coming off a World Series title, have strengthened their roster and are expected to dominate again. Analysts believe their combination of depth and talent positions them well for another championship run.
Looking ahead to individual awards, the AL MVP race is heating up, with Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals leading the pack in predictions. Witt’s combination of skills and potential for a breakout season make him a compelling choice. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani is favored to win the NL MVP after an impressive season that showcased his dual-threat capabilities.
In the pitching department, Tarik Skubal is expected to repeat his Cy Young performance in the AL, while Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates is the favorite in the NL. Both pitchers have demonstrated exceptional talent and consistency, making them frontrunners for the prestigious awards.
The excitement surrounding the MLB 2025 season is palpable, with fans eager to see how predictions play out. Will the favorites live up to the hype? Will there be surprises lurking in the shadows? As the games unfold, everyone will be watching to see which teams will thrive and which will falter in this marathon season.
As Opening Day approaches, baseball enthusiasts are reminded that anything can happen in this unpredictable sport. With teams vying for playoff spots and individual players aiming for personal accolades, the stage is set for a thrilling season ahead!
