Opening Day 2025: Thrilling Starts, Record-Breaking Performances, With New Faces in New Places

The 2025 Major League Baseball season kicked off with a bang on March 27, delivering exhilarating games, record-setting feats, and notable debuts. Here's a comprehensive look at the highlights from Opening Day.​

Opening Day Record-Breaking Performance

Tyler O'Neill's Historic Homerun Streak: Baltimore Orioles' outfielder Tyler O'Neill made history by hitting a home run in his sixth consecutive Opening Day, a Major League record. His three-run blast in the third inning contributed to the Orioles' dominant 12-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Extra-Inning Thrillers

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals: The Phillies secured a 7-3 win over the Nationals in extra innings, showcasing their resilience and depth early in the season. 

Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals: The Guardians emerged with a 7-4 win in extra innings against the Royals, highlighting their determination and competitive spirit.

New Faces in New Places

The offseason saw several high-profile players changing teams:​

• Juan Soto – New York Mets: Soto's much-anticipated debut with the Mets saw him reach base three times, though the team fell 3-1 to the Houston Astros. This comes after a historic 15 years, $765 million offseason signing.

  
  

• Alex Bregman – Boston Red Sox: After signing a three-year, $120 million contract, Bregman beat out new teammate Rafael Devers at third, with Devers moving to DH. The pair both struggled though to open the season combining for 0-8 with 4 Ks while the Red Sox went on to pick up the win 5-2 over the Rangers.

  
  

• Blake Snell – Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers bolstered their rotation by signing the former Cy Young Award winner to a five-year, $182 million deal. In Snell's Opening Day start he lasted 5 innings with 2 earned runs and he got the win. 

  
  

• Garrett Crochet – Boston Red Sox: Joining the Red Sox after being traded from the Chicago White Sox in the offseason, Crochet's performance on Opening Day included 5 innings with 2 ER and a no decision.

  
  

• Max Fried – New York Yankees: The Yankees addressed their rotation needs by signing Fried to a lucrative 7-year, $218 million deal. The left-handed ace is expected to fill the void left by Gerrit Cole when he gets his first start this week.

  
  

• Corbin Burnes – Arizona Diamondbacks: Burnes signed a s6-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks as he awaits his start later this week.

  
  

• Willy Adames – San Francisco Giants: Adames brings power and defensive stability to the Giants' infield after signing a 7-year, $182 million contract this offseason. His veteran presence is expected to provide a boost to San Francisco’s lineup after a rough 0-4 (3) strikeout day to start the campaign.

Pregame Sports Bar Crawls For A Champion

Opening Day 2025 set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season, filled with compelling storylines, emerging talents, and the continued pursuit of baseball excellence.

As the season continues, be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming Pregame Sports pub crawls with exclusive drink specials at the best sports bars and a great party with other fans.