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03/30/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

MLB Opening Day 2023 Has Arrived — Here’s What You Need to Know

Baseball fans, your time has come. After a long winter full of rule changes, massive free-agent contracts, and a spring schedule full of excitement, MLB Opening Day 2023 is finally here. In many areas of the country, it’s still a little chilly for a day at the ballpark, but no sweat. Baseball’s resurrection means summer heat is coming quicker than Shohei Ohtani’s fastball. From rule changes and spring training to World Series odds and today’s schedule for all 30 teams, let’s unleash the Opening Day Guide.

Rule Changes

By now, you’ve likely heard about the MLB rule changes taking over in the 2023 season. The pitch clock is the most significant change, and it added to the pace of play during spring training by shaving off 26 minutes in average game length. There are also pickoff attempt limits, defensive shift limits, and larger bases that should add a little zing to how baseball is played over the next seven months.

Spring Training Recap

While records in spring training aren’t a definitive indication of where teams are heading in 2023, they do tell a story. Teams in the Grapefruit League played roughly 25 games while teams in the Cactus League played closer to 30. Some of the top-performing teams in spring ball include the Cardinals (17-7), Braves (18-10), Angels (18-11), Royals (19-13), and Cubs (17-12).

World Series Odds

Astros (+600)

Yankees (+600)

Mets (+600)

Dodgers (+700)

Braves (+750)

Others: Padres (+900), Phillies (+1200), Blue Jays (+1300), Mariners (+1300)

MLB Opening Day Schedule

Braves at Nationals (1:05 pm) | Fried vs. Corbin

Giants at Yankees (1:05 pm) | Webb vs. Cole

Orioles at Red Sox (2:10 pm) | Gibson vs. Kluber

Brewers at Cubs (2:20 pm) | Burnes vs. Stroman