This week marks the start of another exciting baseball season, as teams throughout the MLB begin their journey toward a playoff spot. With new players, leadership, and high expectations, each team has a chance to make a fresh start.
The 2026 MLB season officially got underway on Wednesday with a three-game series between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants. Most other teams begin their season on Thursday, as they all look to make a fresh start. The biggest opening day series to watch this week is the Detroit Tigers vs. the San Diego Padres, which will feature a great pitching duel between Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal and the Padres.
Since October, many teams have strengthened their rosters by adding new talent across the field, like veteran Alex Bregman joining the Chicago Cubs and Pete Alonso joining the Baltimore Orioles. Many teams, such as the Pirates, Tigers, Orioles, and Mariners, have also added younger players like Kevin McGonagle, Samuel Basallo, and Colt Emerson.
Several teams also added new leadership, including manager Tony Vitello, who joined the Giants after coaching at the University of Tennessee, and Kurt Suzuki, who will be joining the Los Angeles Angels, having previously played for the team. These changes will be interesting for these teams, since neither manager has any MLB coaching experience.
A major change for the 2026 MLB season is the launching of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system. This allows players to challenge home plate ball-strike calls, with each team having two challenges per game, and can only be initiated by the pitcher, catcher, or batter. This system will allow for accuracy when there are close calls, along with making quick decisions, preventing long, drawn-out reviews.
One team to look out for this season is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are chasing their third consecutive World Series title and fourteenth straight playoff appearance. The Dodgers’ roster features several stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, and is sure to make it far into the playoffs once again.
The team I expect to make it far this year is the Boston Red Sox, who strengthened their roster with several additions in the offseason, including pitcher Ranger Suarez, first baseman Wilson Contreras, and infielder Caleb Durbin. Numerous Red Sox players recently competed in the World Baseball Classic, such as Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Garett Whitlock, and several others. The Red Sox truly have the potential to go far this season as they look to make a return to the playoffs.
As the 2026 MLB season gets underway, there is a sense of excitement in the air. Many teams have improved their rosters in the offseason and are looking to make a deep playoff run. Fans will be able to look forward to six months of baseball as teams compete and begin to set their sights on the postseason.