MLB Opening Day 2025

Summer is officially in sight as we have first pitch of the MLB season today. Are we not all excited for the 162-game grind ahead—getting upset six or seven nights a week at dudes competing in a sport where success three out of ten times is Hall of Fame worthy? Ahhhh, what a time to be alive, right?

Everyone had an equal chance… until 12:10 PM PT today. Well, except for the White Sox, of course.

As a Dbacks fan, I get it, White Sox folks. We've had those seasons too—it's July, no other sports are on, and you're stuck watching a team already 35 games under .500. But hey, things do turn around. It just takes time!

Anyway—back to positivity, because today is Opening Day, and we get to celebrate baseball being BACK.

Being a Dbacks fan... let me get my homer rant out of the way.

I am quietly so excited about this team.

Adding Corbin Burnes and Josh Naylor to the mix was huge. Our rotation—if it stays healthy—can compete with anyone. Our lineup is stacked: Ketel Marte, Geno Suárez, Corbin Carroll, and Gabriel (Luli) Moreno? C’mon. Injuries crushed us last year, and we were still a game away from getting in.

If we can stay out of the injury game... watch out for my Snakes.

Now let’s get into the predictions, right?

That’s what we’re here for. It’s the best part of sports—bold takes, hypotheticals, friendly debates. I’m not going too crazy (no Silver Sluggers or Gold Gloves today), but we’ll hit:

• MVP

• Cy Young

• Rookie of the Year

• Playoff Predictions

Let’s go.

Rookie of the Year

AL:

3B/OF Cam Smith – Houston Astros

Drafted out of Florida State last year, where he hit .387 and led the Seminoles to the CWS. Then hit .313 in the minors. This spring? He mashed, earned a spot, and looks polished—typical of college hitters. Plus, he’s got protection in the lineup.

NL:

3B Matt Shaw – Chicago Cubs

Former Maryland Terrapin. He’s not a big guy but has pop. Hits for average, plays solid defense. The Cubs may not be contenders, but Shaw should shine.

Cy Young

AL:

SP Tarik Skubal – Detroit

Tigers

Run it back!!! How do you not go with the reigning champ? He’s leading an improved Tigers team and is set up for another dominant season.

NL:

SP Corbin Burnes – Arizona Diamondbacks

In this rotation? He’s going to thrive. He’s always had the stuff—now he gets to be the guy again. Living in AZ, sleeping in his own bed before starts? Huge edge.

MVP

AL:

Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals

It’s his year. He’s ready to lead the Royals on a playoff push. Gunnar Henderson could challenge, but starting the year on the IL gives Witt a head start.

NL:

Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers

Yeah… we all know it’s his. If he’s back on the mound and even decent, no one will beat him. Unless someone wins the Triple Crown or breaks HR records, it’s Ohtani’s to lose.

Division Winners – AL

East: Baltimore Orioles

Lineup can rake. Yankees already have injuries. Watch out for the Red Sox though.

Central: Kansas City Royals

Surprise pick, but I think they put it together. Guardians and Tigers will be right there too.

West: Houston Astros

Still the kings. Rangers and Mariners will push, but the Astros have the most depth.

Wild Card – AL

• Boston Red Sox

• Texas Rangers

• Detroit Tigers

Division Winners – NL

East: Philadelphia Phillies

Mets and Braves have health concerns. Phillies get the edge—for now.

Central: Cincinnati Reds

Youth movement leads the way. Pitching + bats + energy. I think they shock the division.

West: Arizona Diamondbacks

YEP. I’m calling it. The Dodgers take a step back—injuries, aging stars, wear-and-tear. It’s a long shot, but give me my Snakes.

Wild Card – NL

• Los Angeles Dodgers

• New York Mets

• Atlanta Braves

Championship Series Predictions

ALCS: Baltimore Orioles over Boston Red Sox

NLCS: Atlanta Braves over Arizona Diamondbacks

World Series Prediction:

Baltimore Orioles over Atlanta Braves, 4-3

MLB predictions are maybe the hardest in all sports—162 games, injuries, chaos... anything can happen. But it’s fun to throw some takes out there.

I really like the Dbacks’ chances this year. I’ll be diving into a full breakdown of them soon.

In the meantime, let’s all enjoy the fresh start that is Opening Day 2025.

Good luck to your squad! ⚾️

Bet of the Day: Go for some long shots today!

03-27

Corbin Carroll HR +800

Corbin Carroll SB +310

Spencer Torkelson 2+ hits +425