The wait is over. After months of anticipation, the long, cold offseason has finally given way to one of the most cherished days on the baseball calendar—Opening Day. It’s more than just the start of a new season; it’s a celebration of the game itself, a fresh slate filled with hope, possibility, and the promise of unforgettable moments. The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the perfectly manicured diamond—everything about today reminds us why we fell in love with baseball in the first place. Opening Day is here, and there’s nothing quite like it.
Location: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Phillies Record: 0-0
Nationals Record: 0-0
1. The Big Picture
The Phillies enter the 2025 season with more than just hope—they’re determined to turn the page on the disappointments of the past two years and chase their third World Series title in franchise history. But standing in their way, as always, are the Braves and Mets, who will undoubtedly be in the mix for the division crown all season long. In what promises to be another tight race in the NL East, every game, even this early in the schedule, could loom large when the postseason picture comes into focus.
The Phillies enter the 2025 season with more than just hope—they’re determined to turn the page on the disappointments of the past two years and chase their third World Series title in franchise history. But standing in their way, as always, are the Braves and Mets, who will undoubtedly be in the mix for the division crown all season long. In what promises to be another tight race in the NL East, every game, even this early in the schedule, could loom large when the postseason picture comes into focus.
2. The A-B-C Storylines
The Phillies’ ace has been knocking on the door, finishing second in the voting twice over the past four seasons. Last year, he put together another dominant campaign, going 16-7 with a 2.57 ERA over 200 innings while striking out 224 batters. He also led all National League pitchers in WHIP (0.96) and opponents' batting average (.192). With another strong season, Wheeler could finally add the sport’s most prestigious pitching award to his résumé.
B. What will Rob Thomson do with the leadoff spot?
Kyle Schwarber served as the Phillies’ primary leadoff hitter last season, but Thomson has hinted at exploring other options. Trea Turner, with his elite speed and bat-to-ball skills, is a natural candidate, while Bryson Stott’s ability to work counts and put the ball in play could also earn him opportunities. It’s a situation worth monitoring, as the Phillies look to optimize their lineup’s potential at the top.
C. A vote of confidence for Brandon Marsh.
Thomson has consistently backed Marsh, believing he can be more than just a platoon player despite his struggles against left-handed pitching. For now, it appears Marsh will have a longer leash to prove himself. He’ll get an immediate test with lefty MacKenzie Gore on the mound—an early opportunity to show he can hold his own against southpaws and solidify his everyday role.
3. The Matchups
Thursday: RHP Zack Wheeler (0-0, 0.00) vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore (0-0, 0.00)
Time: 4:05pm | Weather: 61-degrees and sunny
Saturday: LHP Jesus Luzardo (0-0, 0.00) vs. TBA
Thursday: RHP Zack Wheeler (0-0, 0.00) vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore (0-0, 0.00)
Time: 4:05pm | Weather: 61-degrees and sunny
Saturday: LHP Jesus Luzardo (0-0, 0.00) vs. TBA
Time: 4:05pm | Weather: 84-degrees and sunny
Sunday: RHP Aaron Nola (0-0, 0.00) vs. TBA
Sunday: RHP Aaron Nola (0-0, 0.00) vs. TBA
Time: 1:35pm | Weather: 77-degrees and cloudy
4. The Key Number
95- The NL East is shaping up to be a dogfight, and if the Phillies want to secure their second consecutive divisional title, they’ll likely need to reach the 95-win mark. Of course, nothing is guaranteed—especially in a division loaded with talent—but winning the East would ensure home-field advantage in October. And if the past two postseasons have proven anything, it’s that there’s nothing quite like playoff baseball at Citizens Bank Park.5. What to Watch For
Jesús Luzardo is set to make his Phillies debut on Saturday, bringing high expectations with him. When healthy, the left-hander has the arsenal to be one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. With uncertainty surrounding Ranger Suárez and lingering concerns about Taijuan Walker, a strong first impression from Luzardo could go a long way in easing some of the Phillies' rotation worries. If he delivers, he could quickly become a stabilizing force in an already formidable staff.Closing Thought:
The Phillies stormed out of the gate last season, only to falter down the stretch. While anything is possible in a 162-game grind, oddsmakers are already bracing for another fierce NL East battle, with the Phillies, Mets, and Braves expected to fight to the finish. This is a veteran-laden squad, one that has experienced both triumph and heartbreak. The real test is whether they’ve learned from last year’s collapse and can finally see things through. A strong opening series—taking two of three from the Nationals on the road—would be a promising start.
The Phillies stormed out of the gate last season, only to falter down the stretch. While anything is possible in a 162-game grind, oddsmakers are already bracing for another fierce NL East battle, with the Phillies, Mets, and Braves expected to fight to the finish. This is a veteran-laden squad, one that has experienced both triumph and heartbreak. The real test is whether they’ve learned from last year’s collapse and can finally see things through. A strong opening series—taking two of three from the Nationals on the road—would be a promising start.
