Baseball is back! After a long winter following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series triumph over the humbled New York Yankees, MLB’s 2025 season kicks off with a slate of Opening Day matchups packed with drama, star power, and fresh storylines. From marquee rematches to historic ballpark debuts, here’s everything you need to know to catch the action, including broadcast details, must-watch games, and the quirkiest moments to mark on your calendar.
MLB Opening Day 2025: Dodgers, Yankees Headline inaugural event
All eyes will be on last year’s World Series contenders as they launch their 2025 campaigns. The Dodgers host the Detroit Tigers at Chavez Ravine (7:10 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN+), offering fans a first glimpse of Shohei Ohtani’s highly anticipated return to the mound after his 2024 injury. Meanwhile, the Yankees aim to shake off their October embarrassment when they face the Milwaukee Brewers in the Bronx (3:05 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN+), with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto looking to reignite their powerhouse duo.
Other standout games include:
Padres vs. Braves (4:10 PM ET, Padres.TV/FanDuel Sports): A clash of NL titans featuring Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Rangers vs. Red Sox (4:05 PM ET, NESN): Texas’ defending AL champs take on Boston’s revamped roster
Diamondbacks vs. Cubs (10:10 PM ET, Dbacks.TV/Marquee): A late-night thriller under the Wrigley lights
Broadcast Guide: How to Watch Every Game
Thursday, March 27
1:10 PM PT/4:10 PM ET: White Sox vs. Angels (CHSN)
1:10 PM PT/4:10 PM ET: Astros vs. Mets (Space City Home Network/SNY)
3:07 PM ET: Blue Jays vs. Orioles (Sportsnet/TVA Sports)
4:10 PM ET: Reds vs. Giants (FanDuel Sports Ohio/NBCS BA)
7:10 PM PT/10:10 PM ET: Mariners vs. Athletics (ROOTNW/NBCSCA)
Friday, March 28
1:10 PM PT/4:10 PM ET: Rays vs. Rockies (FanDuel Sports Sun/Rockies.TV)
Note: This game relocates to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa due to Hurricane Milton damage at Tropicana Field.
All games stream live on MLB.TV, with select matchups on ESPN+.
Can’t-Miss Moments
Ohtani’s Pitching Return: The Dodgers’ two-way phenom makes his first start since Tommy John surgery.
Rays’ Unconventional Home Opener: Watch Tampa Bay debut at a Spring Training venue—a first in MLB history.
Soto’s Yankee Stadium Debut: Juan Soto takes his first official hacks in pinstripes after his blockbuster offseason trade.
Hurricane Recovery Tribute: The Rays will honor Florida’s resilience pregame with a ceremony featuring first responders.
Pro Tips for Fans
Streaming Savvy: Use MLB.TV’s multi-game view to track Shohei Ohtani’s pitching and hitting in real time.
Late-Night Special: West Coast fans can cap the night with Diamondbacks vs. Cubs—a 10:10 PM ET start perfect for prime-time popcorn.
Social Buzz: Follow #OpeningDay2025 for viral moments, like the Dodgers’ rumored surprise guest throwing the first pitch (LeBron James, anyone?).