MLB Opening Day has finally arrived, and fans are buzzing with excitement as 28 of the 30 teams take the field for the 2025 season. This year’s Opening Day is particularly special, with many teams looking to build on successful past seasons and some making significant changes. With matchups scheduled throughout the day, including the New York Yankees facing off against the Milwaukee Brewers, the anticipation is palpable.
The Yankees and Brewers kick off the action at 3:05 p.m. ET on ESPN, featuring a pitching duel between Freddy Peralta and Carlos Rodón. This matchup comes with its own storylines, as the Yankees grapple with the absence of key players like Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton, both sidelined with injuries. The Yankees are coming off a tumultuous offseason, and questions linger about how they will perform without their star players.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles will face the Toronto Blue Jays, with Zach Eflin on the mound for the Orioles against Jose Berrios. The Orioles are looking to make the playoffs for the third consecutive season, a feat not achieved since their World Series appearances in 1969-71. However, they will start the season without MVP contender Gunnar Henderson, who is on the injured list due to an intercostal strain.
In another exciting matchup, the Philadelphia Phillies will take on the Washington Nationals, with Zack Wheeler pitching against MacKenzie Gore. The Phillies are hoping to continue their playoff streak, having played more postseason games than any other team in the last three years. They will need to navigate some roster decisions as key players like Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto approach free agency.
As the day progresses, the Los Angeles Dodgers will raise their World Series banner before taking on the Detroit Tigers at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Dodgers are looking to defend their title and become the first team to repeat as champions since the New York Yankees did it from 1998 to 2000. This matchup features a compelling pitching duel between Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, and Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner.
For fans of the Seattle Mariners, there is additional excitement as they prepare for their Opening Day game against the Oakland Athletics at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Mariners are entering the season after four consecutive seasons of 85-plus wins and are a legitimate contender for the American League West title. This year, they will be looking to secure their first World Series appearance in franchise history.
Fans will have a variety of viewing options for the Mariners’ game, with ROOT Sports broadcasting the game for the Seattle market and NBC Sports California covering the Sacramento and Bay Area markets. For those outside these areas, MLB.tv offers a subscription service for streaming games, allowing fans to catch all the action.
In addition to the Mariners, the Chicago Cubs will be looking to bounce back from their recent series in Japan against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs will return to Wrigley Field next month for their home opener against the San Diego Padres. They have a series of promotional giveaway days planned for fans, including a Cubs magnet schedule and flannel giveaways.
The 2025 season promises to be filled with excitement, surprises, and new storylines. As teams battle for playoff positions and fans rally behind their favorites, the energy surrounding MLB Opening Day is sure to carry through the season. With so many compelling matchups and talented players taking the field, this year’s Opening Day is shaping up to be one for the books.
In other notable matchups, the Atlanta Braves will face the San Diego Padres, and the New York Mets will take on the Houston Astros. The Braves, hoping to build on their success from last season, will look to star players like Marcell Ozuna, who is seeking to become the first Braves player to have 100-plus RBIs in three consecutive seasons since Chipper Jones.
For the Mets, Juan Soto will make his much-anticipated debut with the team, bringing high expectations after signing a historic contract. The Astros, meanwhile, will have Jose Altuve starting in left field for the first time in his career, marking a significant change for the veteran player.
As the day unfolds, fans can expect thrilling performances, standout debuts, and the beginning of what hopes to be a memorable season. With so many teams vying for supremacy and individual players aiming for personal milestones, the 2025 MLB season is set to deliver excitement and drama from the very first pitch.
As teams take the field, the hopes and dreams of fans across the country hang in the balance. Will the Yankees overcome their injury woes? Can the Orioles make history? Will the Dodgers repeat? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: baseball is back, and the thrill of the game is alive.
