Major League Baseball’s 2025 Opening Day is set to kick off in less than two weeks. Teams are actively finalizing their starting rotations, especially amidst recent injuries. Below is a rundown of each team’s expected Opening Day starter situation.
To start, here’s a historical leaderboard of all-time Opening Day starts:
- Tom Seaver: 16
- Steve Carlton: 14
- Jack Morris: 14
- Randy Johnson: 14
- Walter Johnson: 14
Despite its significance in the standings, Opening Day remains a prestigious honor for starting pitchers. Here’s a look at the anticipated starters for the season’s opener across the league.
Arizona Diamondbacks: TBA
Zac Gallen has historically started on Opening Day, but Corbin Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young winner, is a strong candidate this year.
(Sacramento) Athletics: TBA
After utilizing six Opening Day starters over the past seven seasons, this year’s likely choice is Luis Severino following his substantial contract signing.
Atlanta Braves: TBA
Expect Chris Sale, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, to be named as the Opening Day starter.
Baltimore Orioles: Zach Eflin
Acquired in a trade, Zach Eflin is confirmed as the Opening Day starter after demonstrating outstanding form in previous appearances.
Boston Red Sox: TBA
Brayan Bello is seen as a prime candidate this year, joined in contention by Garrett Crochet.
Chicago Cubs: Shota Imanaga
A home-country hero, Imanaga will pitch in Tokyo on Opening Day against the Dodgers.
Chicago White Sox: TBA
As Garrett Crochet departs, Martín Pérez could take the mound this year.
Cincinnati Reds: Hunter Greene
After an excellent 2024 season, Greene is anticipated to start Opening Day.
Cleveland Guardians: TBA
Shane Bieber is out due to injury, making Tanner Bibee the frontrunner.
Colorado Rockies: TBA
Kyle Freeland or Germán Márquez will likely draw the Opening Day assignment.
Detroit Tigers: Tarik Skubal
The reigning AL Cy Young winner will take the mound once again for the Tigers.
Houston Astros: TBA
Framber Valdez is poised to start on Opening Day unless a surprise occurs.
Kansas City Royals: TBA
Expect veteran options like Seth Lugo or Cole Ragans for the Opening Day start.
Los Angeles Angels: Yusei Kikuchi
Kikuchi has been named the Opening Day starter following a significant contract signing.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
The Dodgers will assign Yamamoto for the Opening Day games against the Cubs in Tokyo.
Miami Marlins: Sandy Alcantara
Alcantara is back and ready to resume Opening Day responsibilities after recovering from injury.
Milwaukee Brewers: Freddy Peralta
Peralta will start for the second consecutive year after a strong performance.
Minnesota Twins: Pablo López
The Twins confirmed López as their Opening Day starter, making history with three straight starts.
New York Mets: Clay Holmes
A last-minute change sees Holmes stepping in for an injured Sean Manaea as the Mets open on the road.
New York Yankees: Carlos Rodón
Following Cole’s surgery, Rodón has been selected as the Yankees’ Opening Day starter.
Philadelphia Phillies: Zack Wheeler
Wheeler returns for another Opening Day after impressive showings in prior seasons.
Pittsburgh Pirates: TBA
Expect Mitch Keller or rookie Paul Skenes for Opening Day.
St. Louis Cardinals: TBA
The position is open for Sonny Gray following his previous start duties.
San Diego Padres: TBA
Yu Darvish may either pass the torch to Dylan Cease or Michael King.
San Francisco Giants: Logan Webb
Webb is officially recognized as the starter for another season opener.
Seattle Mariners: TBA
Castillo, Gilbert, or Kirby could all be in contention as the Opening Day starter.
Tampa Bay Rays: Shane McClanahan
McClanahan returns from injury to lead the Rays’ rotation for the 2025 season.
Texas Rangers: TBA
Nathan Eovaldi, the previous Game 1 starter, returns for more responsibilities.
Toronto Blue Jays: TBA
José Berríos or Kevin Gausman appear as possible options.
Washington Nationals: TBA
The spot may fall between Josiah Gray and MacKenzie Gore.
