MLB Opening Day 2026 live: Lineups, updates, highlights, more - ESPN

Happy MLB Opening Day!

The 2026 season has arrived, starting with a 7-0 blowout victory for the New York Yankees over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night and continuing with season openers for the rest of MLB on Thursday and Friday. Whether it's ace showdowns, powerhouse matchups or new faces in new places you want to see, there is something for everyone.

What are we looking for as the season gets started? Here's our takeaway from the Yankees-Giants opener and a pregame look at what you need to know for the remaining games (including each team's initial 2026 Power Ranking and final offseason grade). We'll also post lineups as they are announced and live updates throughout, followed by takeaways after every final pitch.

Jump to: Live updates | Lineups | Takeaways | Friday games

First pitch: 4:10 p.m. ET | Pitching matchup: Garrett Crochet vs. Andrew Abbott

What to know about the Red Sox

Power ranking: 9| Offseason grade: A

Biggest change since we saw them last: Alex Bregman has gone to the North Side of Chicago, but it was still a productive winter in Boston. The Red Sox bolstered their rotation by signing Ranger Suarez and trading for Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo and revamped their infield in deals for Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin.

What to know about the Reds

Power ranking: 18| Offseason grade: C-

Biggest change since we saw them last: There was a lot of talk about Kyle Schwarber joining his hometown Reds this offseason — but when Schwarber opted for a Philly return, Cincy pivoted to third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who hit 49 home runs between Arizona and Seattle last season.

Lineups

Red Sox
Roman Anthony (L) LF
Trevor Story ® SS
Jarren Duran (L) DH
Willson Contreras ® 1B
Caleb Durbin ® 3B
Wilyer Abreu (L)