MLB Opening Day 2025: Celebrations, Records, and Nail-Biting Finishes

LOS ANGELES — Major League Baseball officially kicked off its 2025 season on Thursday, with 28 of the league’s 30 teams taking to the field. The excitement was palpable as moments that would become instant classics unfolded, including record-breaking home runs and emotional ceremonies.

In Los Angeles, the Dodgers celebrated their 2024 World Series triumph with a ceremonial banner-raising before defeating the Detroit Tigers, 5-3. The pregame festivities featured notable appearances, including rapper Ice Cube, who presented the World Series trophy to Dodgers legend Magic Johnson, and a heartfelt moment where Freddie Freeman embraced Kirk Gibson on the field.

The Dodgers began the game on a high note, with Shohei Ohtani hitting a pivotal home run to extend their lead. With this victory, the Dodgers improved to 3-0 on the season as they continue to chase a historic year.

Austin Wells made history for the Yankees by hitting a leadoff home run against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking the first time a Yankee has batted leadoff on Opening Day with such a feat. The Yankees went on to win the game 4-2, thanks in part to solid pitching from Carlos Rodon and a nerve-wracking save by newcomer Devin Williams.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles celebrated a massive offensive showing with a 12-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Tyler O'Neill hit a home run, extending his streak to six consecutive Opening Days with a long ball, an MLB record. Likewise, Adley Rutschman‘s three-hit game has fans optimistic about Baltimore’s prospects this season.

The Chicago White Sox found new hope this season, routing the Los Angeles Angels 8-1. Rookie Sean Burke impressed in his first Opening Day start with six shutout innings, leading to a celebratory Gatorade shower for new manager Will Venable.

In other notable games, Wilyer Abreu’s ninth-inning three-run homer sealed a 5-2 win for the Boston Red Sox over the Texas Rangers. Despite facing a challenging start, the Cleveland Guardians displayed their determination in a 7-4, 10-inning victory against the Kansas City Royals.

Juan Soto made his much-anticipated debut for the New York Mets but struggled, striking out in a crucial moment as the Mets fell 3-1 to the Houston Astros. Framber Valdez, pitching masterfully, held the Mets scoreless for seven innings.

Meanwhile, in Miami, Bryce Harper launched his first Opening Day home run as a Philadelphia Phillies player, helping secure a 7-4 victory against the Washington Nationals amid a stellar 13-strikeout performance from MacKenzie Gore.

Jackson Merrill shone for the San Diego Padres, leading them to a 7-4 triumph over the Atlanta Braves while showcasing why he is a rising star worth watching. On the other hand, both Sonny Gray and Nolan Arenado contributed significantly to the St. Louis Cardinals’ 5-3 win over the Minnesota Twins, thrilling the home crowd with their respective performances.

As the day of riveting action concluded, MLB Opening Day proved to be an exhilarating start to the 2025 season. Fans were treated to a captivating mix of emotion, history, and competitive spirit, setting the stage for a thrilling year ahead.