(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Are you ready for some baseball? Let's hope so, because spring has sprung, and baseball MLB Opening Day is upon us. The Major League Baseball season actually already started on March 20 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres playing each other in Seoul. If you're wondering, San Diego won that one, 15-11. But, the season really kicks off in the States on Thursday (March 28).
MLB Opening Day Fun Facts
The Major League Baseball season has so many games that it's really mind-boggling. I'm a football fan, so I'm jelly of my baseball friends who get to watch hundreds of games a season. Of course, nobody has the time, or should have the time, to watch that many games. But, just knowing that your favorite team is playing on any given day is a fun feeling. The Major League Baseball (MLB) season schedule consists of a 162 games for each of the 30 teams in the American League (AL) and National League (NL). Hence, 2,430 MLB games are played in the regular season. It's wild to think that only means the regular season, too, not the postseason.
This year, for MLB Opening Day, all 30 MLB clubs will be playing. Last year, all 30 teams also played, but before last year, it hadn’t happened since 1968. I think it's a great idea to have all the teams playing on the same day. Why not kick off the season with a bang? Also, most of the opening day games will be played on the teams' regional sports networks affiliated with each baseball league. Also, some streaming services will be playing the games. You can also stream MLB games on MLB.TV. Right now, their deal is $149.99 for the whole season, according to their website. There are local blackout restrictions.
So, chances are, you want to get in on the action. Here are details on the MLB Opening Day 2024 schedule.
MLB Opening Day Games 2024:
- Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Mets – 1:10 p.m.
- Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies – 3:05 p.m.
- Los Angeles Angels vs. Baltimore Orioles – 3:05 p.m.
- San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres – 4:10 p.m.
- St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – 4:10 p.m.
- Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Miami Marlins – 4:10 p.m.
- Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays – 4:10 p.m.
- Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds – 4:10 p.m.
- Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals – 4:10 p.m.
- Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox – 4:10 p.m.
- New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros – 4:10 p.m.
- Chicago Cubs vs. Texas Rangers – 7:35 p.m.
- Cleveland Indians vs. Oakland Athletics – 10:07 p.m.
- Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners – 10:10 p.m.
- Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks – 10:10 p.m.
Spring is coming, and that means baseball is on the way. So, why not get into some early MLB Power Rankings?
If you weren't happy with how last season ended, then you're in luck. That's because you have a million new games up ahead in the 2024 season. Okay, maybe not a million. But, a lot. The Major League Baseball season schedule packs a whopping 162 games for each of the 30 teams in the American League (AL) and National League (NL). Those games take place over about six months. That means baseball fans, in theory, could watch 2,430 games in the regular season alone.
Don't do that. You have more of a life than to sit around watching 2,430 baseball games. But, I should talk. During football season, I watch all the games I can get my eyes on.
Let's not leave out the minor leagues, by the way. It's always really fun to go to a minor league baseball game, because it's much more chill than a major league game. It's also cheaper, both tickets and parking. So, don't just support your major league team this year. Cheer for the minor league guys, too. You won't have quite as many games to catch in the minor league, though, as a full, regular season in Triple-A is 150 games, Double-A is 138 games and High-A and Single-A are 132 games. Still, that's lots and lots of baseball to attend.
With the official start of baseball season getting closer, it's a good time to get into my initial Power Rankings for 2024. Sure, this is a bit premature, since players will shift going into the season. But, the biggest players are with their respective teams now, so we have a good picture and idea of which teams will pop in 2024. Frankly, deciding between No. 1 and 2 was very difficult, because both teams are so, so solid right now. Who are your picks for the 2024 season? Reach out to me here and let me know, and find the full MLB schedule here.
MLB Power Rankings: Top Teams to Begin 2024
10. Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has done a good job of putting together a team that could deliver, even with a limited budget. Expect to see Mitch Garver, Jorge Polanco, Luis Urias, Mitch Haniger and many more on the field this season. The Mariners were decent last year, and fans could be in for a solid team this year.
9. Tampa Bay Rays
Wander Franco is still a question, but with out without him, the Tampa Bay Rays look strong. The team simply has one of the best batches of offensive players in the MLB. Will they go all the way? We'll find out. They could certainly make a run for it.
8. Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays played well last season and had a fantastic rotation, but they didn't win a playoff game. Say what? They're back for revenge this year, and they have a similar, stellar lineup.
7. New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have more question marks than most of the teams on this list. But, overall, they look solid. As time shakes out, we'll know more about how this roster will shape up, but it's looking on the upswing so far. Would you expect anything less from such a heritage team?
6. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off a pleasantly surprising World Series run. They're hungry for more. They've added Eduardo Rodriguez to the middle of their rotation and have made a few other choice moves.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
How did the Philadelphia Phillies not make it to the World Series last year? They totally should have, but that's all in the past. The team has gotten so close for so long, and this seems like the year that they could actually win it all. Maybe.
4. Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles won 101 games last year, but they're bringing in Jackson Holliday, who will probably be AL Rookie of the Year. They've also added Craig Kimbrel to the fold. Fans expected bolder moves, but we feel good about this lineup.
3. Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are regulars on the road to the World Series. They were in the American League Championship Series for the seventh consecutive season in 2023. They're likely to do it again.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers really stepped it up in the offseason. They've brought on star players in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They're going to be really tough to beat.
1. Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are the team to beat in 2024. Not only do they have a stellar lineup that they're bringing back from last season, but they've also added left fielder Jarred Kelenic and pitcher Chris Sale. They're the team to beat.
Honorable mention
How did the Texas Rangers not get in the top 10? Ridiculous, right? Well, they obviously just won the World Series. They could do it again, but I decided to give some of the other teams a bit of the spotlight. That said, yes, the Rangers are going to be very strong in 2024. Also, don't laugh at the Detroit Tigers. They underperformed in 2023, but they could surprise people. Over the year, the team has brought on plenty of talent, and they've continued that in the offseason.
