The Opener: Opening Day, Reynolds, Offseason In Review

Happy Opening Day from MLBTR! Here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world as the 2023 season kicks off:

1. Opening Day is here!

As previously mentioned, the 2023 MLB season is set to begin today. Games kick off at 12:05pm CT today with the Giants visiting the Yankees and the Braves visiting the Nationals. All 30 clubs will play today, with Diamondbacks at Dodgers and Guardians at Mariners wrapping up the day at 9:10pm CT. While there’s exciting pitching matchups littered all throughout today’s games, two in particular stand out: Jacob deGrom is set to make his first start as a Ranger, taking on the Phillies and Aaron Nola at 3:05pm CT this afternoon, and reigning NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and his Marlins will take on future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer and the Mets at 3:10pm CT. Click here for more information on today’s games.

2. Will the Pirates get a Reynolds deal done?

The Pirates and Bryan Reynolds had reportedly made some progress toward an extension late last night, and today’s looming season opener is said to be a deadline for those talks. Hurdles apparently remain, however. Any deal would likely have to be the new largest in Pirates history, surpassing Ke’Bryan Hayes’s eight-year, $70MM extension that currently stands as the club’s record contract. With a matter of hours left until the agreed upon deadline for extension discussions, will the sides manage to reach an agreement?

3. Offseason In Review series continues

MLBTR’s Offseason in Review series continues today, with a Rockies-centric live chat by MLBTR’s Anthony Franco planned for this morning at 10am CT to go along with the latest installment of the series. You can click here to submit a question in advance, participate live when the chat begins, or read the transcript once it’s complete. In addition to Anthony’s chat, be sure to check back throughout the day for the Giants installment of the series, which should be available later today.