Everything you need to know going into MLB's Opening Day

Major League Baseball is officially back Thursday, and theScore has you covered with everything you need to know heading into Opening Day.

Predictions 🔮

2025 season staff predictions

Our MLB experts make their picks for each division winner, playoff teams, World Series champion, and our top three players for each major award. Projecting the American League was an almost impossible task, with no real standout teams among the group. Read more ...

MLB The Show 25 season sim

If you don't trust our experts, put your faith in a video game. We simulated the season with MLB The Show 25 and, if you're not a fan of the New York Yankees, you probably won't like the results. Read more ...

Teams under most pressure to win World Series

It may seem strange to have the reigning World Series champs on this list, but all eyes are on the Los Angeles Dodgers after another offseason spending spree. Not only will they be expected to repeat, but they'll be the favorites to win every series all summer. Read more ...

Teams that will take a step back in 2025

A new season brings new hope, but not every team will take a step forward in 2025. We focus on three AL clubs and two NL teams that will likely fall short of their 2024 win totals. Read more ...

Teams that will be better in 2025

While we're predicting regression for some, we're predicting improvement for others. The Boston Red Sox look poised to threaten for the AL East title, while the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers will be a team to watch after a championship hangover last year. Read more ...

Featured analysis ✍️

Paul Skenes in Year 2: Rethinking what's possible

Skenes is almost singularly focused on fulfilling the promise that comes with being the No. 1 draft pick in 2023. He wants to stuff the back of his trading cards with innings and strikeouts like aces in the heyday of the starting pitcher. He says he wants to pitch 240 innings this season, which hasn't been done since 2014. Read more ...

10 biggest storylines this season

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s future with the Blue Jays is just one of many notable storylines we're focused on heading into the season. The A's and Rays will be playing in minor-league stadiums, and we also hope to see healthy returns from stars Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Spencer Strider. Read more ...

Betting odds 💵

World Series odds: There are few things more rewarding than cashing in on a futures bet at the end of the season. ESPN Bet/theScore Bet has options for all fans ahead of Opening Day. The Dodgers open as heavy favorites (+275), but no team has repeated as World Series champs since the Yankees in 1998-2000.

MLB awards odds: Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. are co-favorites to win the AL MVP at +300 (25% implied probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.