The wait is over—MLB Opening Day 2025 is here! On March 27, 2025, baseball fans across the globe are gearing up for an exciting start to the season, with 28 of the 30 Major League Baseball teams taking the field today. Whether you’re rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees, or your hometown squad, this guide covers everything you need to know about the MLB Opening Day schedule, key games to watch, and what’s new for the 2025 season.
When Does the 2025 MLB Season Start?
The 2025 MLB season officially kicked off with the Tokyo Series on March 18-19, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Chicago Cubs. However, the traditional Opening Day for most teams lands today, March 27, 2025. This marks the beginning of a 162-game journey that runs through September 28, 2025, culminating in the postseason and the World Series.
While 14 games are slated for today, the Tampa Bay Rays and Colorado Rockies will start their seasons tomorrow, March 28, due to logistical adjustments following Hurricane Milton’s impact on Tropicana Field. Let’s dive into the full Opening Day schedule and spotlight some must-watch matchups!
MLB Opening Day 2025 Schedule: Game Times and Pitching Matchups
Here’s the complete lineup for March 27, 2025, with start times in Eastern Time (subtract 3 hours for PDT):
- Milwaukee Brewers at New York Yankees – 3:05 PM ET
Pitchers: Freddy Peralta vs. Carlos Rodón - Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles – 3:07 PM ET
Pitchers: José Berríos vs. Zach Eflin - Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers – 4:05 PM ET
Pitchers: Garrett Crochet vs. Nathan Eovaldi - Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals – 4:05 PM ET
Pitchers: Zack Wheeler vs. MacKenzie Gore - Cleveland Guardians at Kansas City Royals – 4:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Tanner Bibee vs. Cole Ragans - New York Mets at Houston Astros – 4:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Clay Holmes vs. Framber Valdez - San Francisco Giants at Cincinnati Reds – 4:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Logan Webb vs. Hunter Greene - Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres – 4:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Chris Sale vs. Michael King - Los Angeles Angels at Chicago White Sox – 4:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Yusei Kikuchi vs. Sean Burke - Pittsburgh Pirates at Miami Marlins – 4:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Paul Skenes vs. Sandy Alcantara - Minnesota Twins at St. Louis Cardinals – 4:15 PM ET
Pitchers: Pablo López vs. Sonny Gray - Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Dodgers – 7:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Tarik Skubal vs. Blake Snell - Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks – 10:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Justin Steele vs. Zac Gallen - Athletics at Seattle Mariners – 10:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Luis Severino vs. Logan Gilbert
Then, on March 28, 2025:
- Colorado Rockies at Tampa Bay Rays – 4:10 PM ET
Pitchers: Kyle Freeland vs. Ryan Pepiot
Top MLB Opening Day Games to Watch in 2025
With so many games on tap, here are a few standout matchups to mark on your calendar:
- Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Dodgers (7:10 PM ET)
Reigning Cy Young contender Tarik Skubal faces off against Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner. This interleague clash pits two elite pitchers against powerhouse lineups—don’t miss it! - Pittsburgh Pirates at Miami Marlins (4:10 PM ET)
Young phenom Paul Skenes takes the mound against Sandy Alcantara, who’s back after missing 2024 due to injury. This could be a low-scoring pitcher’s duel with playoff implications down the line. - Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres (4:10 PM ET)
Chris Sale, fresh off a resurgent 2024, battles Michael King in a matchup of NL contenders. Expect fireworks from two teams with postseason aspirations.
What’s New for the 2025 MLB Season?
The 2025 schedule, released on July 18, 2024, brings a few tweaks to keep fans engaged:
- Increased Interleague Play: “Prime” interleague rivals (think Yankees-Mets or Cubs-White Sox) will now play six games instead of four, with “Rivalry Weekend” set for May 16-18.
- Temporary Homes: The Rays are playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa due to Tropicana Field repairs, delaying their opener to March 28.
- All-Star Game: Mark your calendars for July 15, 2025, when Truist Park in Atlanta hosts the Midsummer Classic.
Each team’s 162-game slate is packed with action, and you can find full schedules on MLB.com for your favorite club.
How to Watch MLB Opening Day 2025
Most Opening Day games will be broadcast on regional sports networks like YES, NESN, or Bally Sports, with select matchups available on ESPN, FS1, or MLB Network. Streaming options include MLB.TV for out-of-market games, FuboTV, or YouTube TV for live TV packages. Check local listings for exact channels based on your team!
Why MLB Opening Day Matters
Opening Day isn’t just the start of the season—it’s a celebration of baseball’s return. From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, March 27, 2025, signals hope for every fanbase, whether you’re chasing a World Series title or a rebuilding year upset. With stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and emerging talents like Paul Skenes in action, the 2025 season promises drama from the first pitch.
Final Thoughts on MLB Opening Day 2025
The 2025 MLB season is underway, and today’s slate of games sets the tone for months of thrilling baseball. Whether you’re tuning in for the Brewers-Yankees opener at 3:05 PM ET or the late-night Cubs-Diamondbacks clash at 10:10 PM ET, there’s something for every fan. Who’s your pick for the standout performance of the day? Let us know in the comments below, and happy Opening Day!
