2026 MLB Opening Day Starters Revealed: Key Highlights
Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Just Baseball Show
Opening Day Starters Announced as MLB Spring Training Begins
The opening day of the Major League Baseball season is approaching, and several teams have announced their starting pitchers for their first games. It's a significant moment for the teams and the players involved, often filled with emotion, especially when a player is selected as the opening day starter for the first time. Among the confirmed starters are Garrett Crochet for the Boston Red Sox, Sandy Alcantara for the Miami Marlins, Tarek Scoble for the Detroit Tigers, Hunter Brown for the Houston Astros, and Merrill Kelly for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Merrill Kelly and Hunter Brown are particularly standout choices this season. Hunter Brown's selection signals that he is now leading the Houston Astros' rotation. With key players like Verlander and Framber no longer in the mix, and Javier recovering from surgery, it appears to be Brown's time to shine at the top of the sport. Brown is recognized as one of the best young pitchers in baseball and his selection as the opening day starter underscores his importance to the Astros going forward.
On the other hand, Merrill Kelly being named as the opening day starter for the Diamondbacks is also noteworthy. Despite competing internally with Zac Gallen, Kelly's consistent performance since his return from the Korean Baseball Organization in 2020 has made him a central figure for Arizona. His reliability and effectiveness made him one of the team's most valuable pitchers last season.
Focusing on Sandy Alcantara, this will be his sixth opening day start for the Miami Marlins. His performance in the latter part of the previous season indicated a return to form closer to his 2022 Cy Young-winning performance, despite a challenging start in 2025. His continued presence and resilience provide fans with both excitement and high expectations for the upcoming season.
These selections not only reflect the skills and achievements of these pitchers but also signal the strategies and hopes of their teams as they embark on a new season. Watching these pitchers on opening day will undoubtedly be a highlight for baseball fans, setting the tone for their team's campaign.
