MLB Opening Day delivered an electrifying start to the season, featuring dramatic finishes and record-breaking performances. Here are the standout moments you won’t want to miss!
MLB Opening Day 2025 is officially in the books, and what a start it was! With 28 of the league’s 30 teams in action, baseball fans were treated to an electric slate of games, featuring everything from record-breaking home runs to nail-biting finishes. The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their 2024 World Series title with a banner-raising ceremony before their season opener against the Detroit Tigers, while standout performances across the league set the tone for an exciting year ahead.
Yankees Edge Out Brewers in Opening Win
The New York Yankees started the season on a high note with a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The game followed a near-perfect formula for success: big hits from their supporting cast, solid starting pitching, and clutch relief work. Austin Wells made history with the first leadoff home run by a Yankee on Opening Day, while Anthony Volpe added a second-inning shot off Freddy Peralta. Carlos Rodon delivered a strong 5 1/3 innings, and new closer Devin Williams worked through a tense ninth inning to secure the win.
Tyler O’Neill Extends Historic Opening Day Home Run Streak
In a dominant 12-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, new Baltimore Orioles right fielder Tyler O’Neill continued his remarkable streak, hitting a home run in his sixth consecutive Opening Day—extending his own MLB record. Adley Rutschman had a stellar performance with a three-hit game and two homers, reinforcing optimism for Baltimore’s offensive power this season.
White Sox Start Strong After Dismal 2024
After suffering 121 losses last season, the Chicago White Sox kicked off 2025 with an 8-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. New manager Will Venable celebrated his first win with a classic Gatorade shower, and rookie starter Sean Burke impressed with six scoreless innings. It’s a fresh start for a team desperate to turn things around.
Wilmer Flores Lifts Giants Over Reds in the Ninth
Wilmer Flores put his forgettable 2024 season behind him in dramatic fashion, smashing a three-run homer in the ninth to lead the San Francisco Giants to a 6-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds. If he can return to his 2023 form, the Giants could be a bigger offensive threat than anticipated.
Red Sox’s Wilyer Abreu Powers Past Rangers
Despite a quiet night from their top hitters, the Boston Red Sox secured a 5-2 win over the defending champion Texas Rangers, thanks to a breakout two-home-run game from Wilyer Abreu. His ninth-inning, three-run blast sealed the victory, showcasing Boston’s depth as they aim for a deep postseason run.
Guardians Outlast Royals in Extra Innings
The Cleveland Guardians showed their resilience in a 7-4, 10-inning victory over the Kansas City Royals. After Emmanuel Clase surrendered a game-tying run in the ninth, Cleveland responded with a three-run outburst in the 10th to take control.
Astros Silence Mets, Juan Soto Booed in New York Debut
The Houston Astros held off the New York Mets for a 3-1 victory in a game that saw Juan Soto make his highly anticipated Mets debut. The $765 million man received loud boos from the home crowd and struck out in a crucial ninth-inning at-bat against Josh Hader, sealing the loss. Meanwhile, Framber Valdez dominated with seven scoreless innings.
Bryce Harper, Phillies Rally Past Nationals in Extras
Despite a stellar 13-strikeout performance from MacKenzie Gore, the Washington Nationals bullpen faltered late, allowing Bryce Harper to launch his first Opening Day homer as a Phillie. Kyle Schwarber added another bomb, and a four-run 10th inning sealed a 7-4 victory for Philadelphia.
Jackson Merrill Shines as Padres Take Down Braves
San Diego’s young star Jackson Merrill made an early case for MVP consideration in the Padres’ 7-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. Merrill drove in key runs, made a stunning defensive play, and showed why he’s one of the game’s most exciting young talents.
Marlins Stun Pirates Late Despite Paul Skenes’ Strong Start
Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young favorite, wasn’t at his absolute best, but he still managed seven strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, the Miami Marlins rallied for three late runs to secure a 5-4 win.
Cardinals’ No-Trade Duo Leads Team Past Twins
Both Sonny Gray and Nolan Arenado, who refused trade opportunities over the offseason, played key roles in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 5-3 win over the Minnesota Twins. Gray delivered a strong start, while Arenado’s eighth-inning homer earned him a curtain call from the St. Louis crowd.
Dodgers Host Tigers in Late-Night Opening Day Action
The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory with a banner-raising ceremony before facing the Detroit Tigers in a primetime matchup. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman led a stacked Dodgers lineup looking to defend their title.
Cubs Look for Redemption After Japan Series Losses
The Chicago Cubs, fresh off two losses in Japan against the Dodgers, looked to bounce back against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Justin Steele took the mound against Arizona ace Zac Gallen in what promised to be a tightly contested game.
Mariners Welcome Athletics to Their Temporary Home
The Oakland Athletics began the season on the road against the Seattle Mariners, as they prepare to play their home games in Sacramento while awaiting their move to Las Vegas. The Athletics’ young middle infield duo, Jacob Wilson and Max Muncy, made their debut.
