MLB Opening Day Schedule: When Does the 2023 Baseball Season Start?
Even before the entire country starts to warm up in the springtime, a new MLB season is ready to get underway. In 2023, the magic date is set for Thursday, March 30. That’s when the games start to count this season. Of course, every fan knows how special it is to have MLB tickets to a game on opening day, and this year, all 30 teams will be in action. To help you pick out the game you most want to see in person, here is a rundown of MLB’s opening day schedule in 2023.
Braves vs Nationals
This is one of two games on opening day scheduled to start just past 1 p.m. and could give us the first pitch of the season. Unfortunately for the Nats, there isn’t that much to be curious about with Washington this year unless Stephen Strasburg can stay healthy. However, the Braves will be a team to watch closely as they are trying to win their second World Series in three years.
Giants vs Yankees
The Giants and Yankees are part of the other game that starts just after 1 p.m., as one of the current New York teams hosts one of the former New York teams. With the Yankees re-signing Aaron Judge during the offseason, it should be a happy opening day celebration for fans in the Bronx.
Orioles vs Red Sox
Baltimore was one of the biggest surprises in the majors last season, and the Orioles could be even better in 2023. They will be looking to make a statement on opening day as they visit Boston. Of course, the Red Sox are hoping to bounce back from a last-place finish in 2022 and won’t want to begin the season with a home loss on opening day.
Brewers vs Cubs
You won’t find many better rivalry games on opening day this year than the Brewers and the Cubs. Plus, there’s nothing like opening day at Wrigley Field, especially after the Cubs made some positive moves this offseason and will begin 2023 with renewed hope.
Tigers vs Rays
On the surface, the Tigers vs Rays matchup might not create a ton of excitement. However, the Rays always seem to make things interesting despite their lack of money. Who needs money when you have young stars like Randy Arozarena and Wander Franco?
Phillies vs Rangers
All eyes will be on Jacob deGrom, who will likely get the opening day start for the Rangers. He’ll make that start against a familiar foe in the Phillies, who are fresh off a trip to the World Series last year. That should make this one of the more intriguing opening-day games on the schedule.
Pirates vs Reds
Unfortunately, not much is expected from the Pirates or the Reds this season. But these are still division rivals, and one of them will jump to 1-0 to begin the season, so there should be plenty of energy on opening day from these two rebuilding teams.
Rockies vs Padres
After their run to the NLCS last season, the Padres are one of the teams to watch in 2023. They continued to spend money and make big deals this past offseason, so expectations will be high as they host the rebuilding Rockies on opening day.
Blue Jays vs Cardinals
St. Louis is another one of those special cities to be on opening day. Plus, the Cardinals are always expected to contend in the NL Central. At the same time, the Blue Jays are hoping that this is finally the year that they make a serious World Series push, making this a heavyweight matchup on opening day.
Twins vs Royals
It was a crazy offseason for the Twins, but they will head into the season as one of the favorites in the AL Central. At the same time, the Royals have started to put together a promising young core, so there should be a good amount of excitement for the start of baseball season in Kansas City.
Mets vs Marlins
The Mets are always fun to watch on opening day because they have the best opening day record in MLB history. They are also coming off an eventful offseason and believe they have finally assembled a team that can win a championship. As for the Marlins, they boast defensive flexibility and are bound to bring the competition.
White Sox vs Astros
This game kicks off the night games on opening day, as most of the schedule kicks off while the sun is still shining. It’s also a game involving the reigning champion Astros against a White Sox team that had a disappointing 2022 season but still has the talent to have a special season in 2023.
Angels vs Athletics
You can’t go wrong with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani playing their first game of the season for the Angels, even against the Athletics team that isn't expected to be the best in the majors this season.
Diamondbacks vs Dodgers
There are always high expectations for the Dodgers on opening day, even after a relatively quiet offseason. They’ll be favored to win the NL West again this year, but the Diamondbacks present a unique challenge on opening day, as Arizona has started to assemble an intriguing set of young players.
Guardians vs Mariners
After getting to the postseason last year and winning a playoff series, people are finally paying attention to the Mariners. It should be a joyous opening day celebration in Seattle, one that’s filled with expectations rather than just hope. Unfortunately for the Mariners, the Guardians are the type of team that can spoil the party, having made the playoffs in five of the last seven years.