NEW YORK - It’s Opening Day in the Bronx! MLB Opening Day 2025 is finally here, and the first pitch of the entire season will be thrown at Yankee Stadium as the New York Yankees take on the Milwaukee Brewers. The game is set to begin at 3:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, marking the start of a new season filled with hope and excitement.
The Yankees enter this season fresh off their loss in the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, a defeat that still lingers in the minds of players and fans alike. Since that fateful Game 5, the team has faced a barrage of injuries during Spring Training. Notably, ace Gerrit Cole will not be taking the mound this season due to Tommy John surgery, while Luis Gil is sidelined for at least three months. Giancarlo Stanton has yet to resume baseball activities following injuries to his calf and elbow. These setbacks have left the Yankees looking to rebuild and adapt.
Despite these challenges, the Yankees made significant moves in the offseason, acquiring notable players like Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Devin Williams. According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, the team believes, "it will be more athletic this season and better defensively." This optimism is essential as they aim to reclaim their spot at the top of the American League.
As the Yankees prepare for the game, the spotlight will be on their starting pitcher, Carlos Rodón. Last season, Rodón notched a 16-9 record with a 3.69 ERA and 195 strikeouts in 32 starts. However, he’s faced his own challenges in Spring Training, finishing with a 1-0 record and a 5.40 ERA over 10 innings pitched. The Yankees are counting on Rodón to lead their pitching staff, especially in light of the injuries that have decimated their rotation.
On the other side, the Brewers are coming off their third NL Central title in the last four years and their sixth postseason berth in seven seasons. They boast a strong lineup and high expectations for the season ahead. Milwaukee’s starting pitcher, Freddy Peralta, will look to build on his previous success, having gone 11-9 with a 3.68 ERA and 200 strikeouts last season. However, he struggled in Spring Training, finishing with a 1-2 record and an 8.56 ERA over 13.2 innings.
Fans will also be keen to watch key players for both teams. For the Yankees, reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge returns after a stellar season where he hit 58 home runs and drove in 144 runs. Despite a quiet Spring Training, Judge's presence in the lineup is always a cause for excitement. Meanwhile, Austin Wells will make history as the first Yankees catcher to lead off in a game, a role he filled effectively during the spring.
For the Brewers, young talent Jackson Chourio has been turning heads with an impressive Spring Training, where he boasted a .500 batting average along with one home run and eight RBIs. Center fielder Garrett Mitchell and third baseman Oliver Dunn are also players to watch, each showing promise during the spring.
The atmosphere at Yankee Stadium is electric as fans gather to witness the ceremony before the game. Former Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte is set to throw the ceremonial first pitch, a nostalgic moment for many fans. The Yankees will also hold a moment of silence in memory of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former player Brett Gardner, who tragically passed away last week. “It’s been devastating. As much as the excitement of today brings, there’s no question we’ll be playing with heavy hearts today, and playing with Miller in mind,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
As the game progresses, the Yankees are looking to establish a strong start, something Boone emphasized as crucial for the team’s morale. "We’re ready to roll and to start finding out how good we are," Boone remarked as he begins his eighth season managing the Yankees. The team's performance in the early weeks can set the tone for the rest of the season.
As the first pitch approaches, fans are hopeful that the Yankees can overcome their early-season challenges and make a strong statement against the Brewers. The matchup between Rodón and Peralta promises to be an intriguing battle, with both pitchers needing to deliver strong performances to give their teams a chance to win.
Throughout the game, viewers will have access to various streaming options, including FuboTV and DirecTV Stream, which are offering free trials. This accessibility ensures that fans can support their teams, regardless of their cable situation. With the stakes high on Opening Day, every pitch, hit, and run will be magnified as the Yankees and Brewers kick off the 2025 MLB season.
As the teams take the field, the excitement is palpable. Will the Yankees rise to the occasion and start their season with a bang, or will the Brewers spoil their home opener? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: baseball is back, and the Bronx is alive with the spirit of the game.
