After five long months, the MLB finally got underway for most teams on March 27th. 26 of the 30 teams started their season on March 27th and two of the other four started theirs on March 18th in Tokyo.
For the second straight year the first two regular season games were played internationally a little more than a week before opening day. Last year the Dodgers and the Padres played in Seoul. This year it was the Dodgers and Cubs in Tokyo. The two game series was highly anticipated for more than just because it was the start to a new season, the games would feature multiple Japanese stars that play for the Cubs and Dodgers. The first game of the series was a 4-1 win for the Dodgers. The second game also went in the Dodgers favor, with them winning 6-3. Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani played a huge role in the series for the Dodgers, collecting two hits and a run in game one, and hitting his first home run of 2025 in game two.
When the official opening day rolled around there were a lot more exciting matchups including: the Mets going up against the Astros where generational superstar Juan Soto would make his Mets debut, the Yankees versus the Brewers where the Yankees would look to start what they hope to be another season ending in a trip to the World Series, and many more.
History was made multiple times on what was a very fun opening day. Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neil hit a three-run home run, during Baltimore’s 12-2 win over the Bluejays, extending his MLB record of consecutive opening days with a home run to six. Another historic feat was accomplished by Washington Nationals pitcher Mackenzie Gore. Gore pitched six innings, striking out 13 batters while allowing only one hit, no walks, and no runs. Gore is the only pitcher to do this on opening day since Bob Gibson in 1967. Unfortunately it was the Phillies who got the last laugh in that game as they went on to beat the Nationals 7-3 after exploding for four runs in the tenth inning.
After the opening day and series, some teams were off to their dream start. The Los Angeles Dodgers, after winning both games in Tokyo, swept the Tigers to begin their title defense 5-0. The San Diego Padres dominated the Atlanta Braves in a four game sweep to start their season a perfect 4-0. The New York Yankees blasted their way into the history books, hitting 15 home runs in their series against the Brewers, tying an MLB record for most home runs in the first three games of the season. New York also set their franchise record for most home runs in a single game by hitting nine of them in one game, three of which by likely future hall of famer: Aaron Judge.
After such a crazy start to the new season, fans can’t help but be excited about what could possibly come next in what is looking to be a thrilling season.