9 MLB Storylines to Watch Ahead of Opening Day

The 2025 Major League Baseball season is here, and fans have plenty of storylines to follow as the league kicks off. From powerhouse teams looking to dominate to players with something to prove, this season has all the makings of a thriller. Here are the nine most intriguing narratives to watch as play begins.

The Dodgers’ Quest for a Repeat
The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their World Series victory, are aiming to do something no team has achieved since the Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000: win back-to-back titles. With new additions like Blake Snell and Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki bolstering an already star-studded roster, the Dodgers are stacked. However, they’ll need to navigate early challenges, including Mookie Betts’ health, as he recovers from an illness that saw him lose 25 pounds. While Betts missed the Tokyo Series opener, he’s expected to return soon. If anyone looks like a dynasty waiting to happen, it’s LA.

The Mets’ Reinvention
After falling to the Dodgers in the NLCS, the New York Mets made waves by signing Juan Soto to a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million contract. The hope? That Soto’s star power, combined with a loaded lineup including Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, will provide enough firepower to make a deep postseason run. Injuries, however, have already complicated matters, with key players like Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil sidelined. Can the Mets’ depth carry them through?

Yankees Rebuilding (Again)
The Yankees are reeling after losing Soto to free agency and dealing with a wave of injuries. Giancarlo Stanton’s torn elbow tendons and Gerrit Cole’s season-ending Tommy John surgery have left the pinstripes scrambling. The pressure is on MVP Aaron Judge to keep the team afloat, while younger players like Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe will need to step up. The Yankees’ bullpen remains strong, but it’s clear this season could be a grind for New York.

The Red Sox Seek Redemption
Boston hasn’t seen the playoffs since 2021, but offseason moves like acquiring Crochet and signing Alex Bregman signal they’re ready to compete. While injuries to key pitchers like Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito are setbacks, the Sox are pinning their hopes on a mix of veteran talent and young prospects. If their pitching stabilizes, the AL East could get even more competitive.

Pirates’ Ace in the Hole
Paul Skenes had a rookie season for the ages, and all eyes will be on him to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates out of the NL Central doldrums. His 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts last year set the tone, and fans are eager to see if he can take the next step toward Cy Young contention. The Pirates’ playoff hopes rest largely on his shoulders.

The Reds’ Speed Demon
Elly De La Cruz is a menace on the basepaths, stealing 67 bases last season to lead the league. If he can improve his offensive consistency and cut down on being caught stealing, he might surpass 70 swipes this year. The Reds are counting on De La Cruz’s evolution as a superstar to break their playoff drought.

Oakland’s New Era
Say goodbye to the Oakland Athletics—as they’ve officially relocated, temporarily calling Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park home before a planned move to Las Vegas. It’s a bittersweet moment for fans, marking the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for the franchise.

Diamondbacks Reload
Arizona missed the playoffs by a whisker last season, but they’ve retooled with the addition of Corbin Burnes to complement ace Zac Gallen. With a lineup that led the league in scoring last year, the Diamondbacks are poised to make a run at the NL West crown and challenge the Dodgers for supremacy.

Blue Jays’ Guerrero Drama
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. enters the final year of his contract without an extension, and speculation is swirling about his future. If Toronto struggles early, Guerrero could become the hottest trade chip in baseball. Will the Blue Jays gamble on keeping him, or will they cash in for a prospect haul?

As the season unfolds, these storylines promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats. From high-stakes drama to breakout potential, the 2025 MLB season is shaping up to be unforgettable.