Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, with millions of fans eagerly awaiting the start of each new season. One of the most anticipated moments is the Opening Day, when all 30 teams kick off their respective campaigns.
Every team has a starting pitcher for Game 1, the one chosen to lead the charge on the first day of the season. Who will those starters be in 2023? While we can’t predict the future, we can certainly speculate based on current MLB trends and pitcher performance.
One name that immediately comes to mind is Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation for the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani has already made history by becoming the first player in a century to be a regular starting pitcher while also serving as a designated hitter. In 2021, he impressed with a 3.18 ERA and 156 strikeouts in 130.1 innings, while also batting .257 with 46 home runs and 100 RBI.
Assuming Ohtani stays healthy and continues to excel both on the mound and at the plate, there’s a good chance he’ll be the Angels’ Opening Day starter in 2023. Not only does he have the talent and the arm to handle the responsibility, but he’s also a fan favorite and a media darling, making him the perfect face of the franchise.
Another pitcher who could get the nod on Opening Day is Max Scherzer, the three-time Cy Young Award winner who signed a record-breaking contract with the New York Mets in December 2021. Scherzer is widely regarded as one of the best pitchers of his generation, with a career ERA of 2.88 and 2,897 strikeouts over 2,350 innings. He’s also a proven ace in the postseason, with a 3.61 ERA in 109.2 innings across 22 games.
Assuming Scherzer remains healthy and continues to perform at a high level, he’s a no-brainer choice to start the Mets’ Opening Day game. His experience, leadership, and dominance on the mound make him a valuable asset to any team, and the Mets will look to him for guidance as they aim to win their first World Series since 1986.
Of course, these are just two examples of potential Opening Day starters in 2023. There are many talented pitchers across the league who could earn that honor based on their performance and the needs of their respective teams. Some other names to keep an eye on include Jacob deGrom (New York Mets), Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees), Walker Buehler (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Shane Bieber (Cleveland Guardians).
Ultimately, the decision of who to start on Opening Day is up to each team’s manager and front office. They’ll take into account a variety of factors, including pitching matchups, injuries, and performance in spring training. But regardless of who gets the nod, fans can look forward to an exciting season of baseball as some of the best pitchers in the world take the mound for their respective teams.
