Opening Day for Major League Baseball is just around the corner, with teams making key decisions about their starting pitchers for the new season. The traditional Opening Day is set for Thursday, March 26, 2026, but the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants will kick things off a day earlier on March 25.
Throughout this lead-up to the season, CBS Sports will track each team’s starter for Opening Day, which may change due to injuries or other roster adjustments.
Historical Context
Here’s a brief look at the pitchers with the most Opening Day starts in MLB history:
- Tom Seaver: 16
- Steve Carlton: 14
- Jack Morris: 14
- Randy Johnson: 14
- Walter Johnson: 14
Team Announcements
Boston Red Sox: Garrett Crochet
Crochet, entering his second season with the Red Sox, will make his third consecutive Opening Day start after finishing as the runner-up in AL Cy Young voting last season.
Detroit Tigers: Tarik Skubal
Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young Award winner, will also make his third consecutive Opening Day start, potentially marking his last for the Tigers as he approaches free agency.
Houston Astros: Hunter Brown
After years of starting with Framber Valdez, the Astros will have Brown on the mound for Opening Day, leading the pitchers with a commendable performance last season.
Miami Marlins: Sandy Alcantara
Alcantara has been chosen to start again, marking the sixth time in seven seasons that he opens for the Marlins, bouncing back from recovery in 2024 to show strong performance in the last season.
