Thursday’s Opening Day held extra special meaning for a select few MLB pros.
It marked the first major league appearances for several rookies, many of whom had big debuts.
Which rookies stole the show on the first full day of MLB action? Below, we take a closer look at five, starting with the good and ending with the best.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Carter Baumler
Selected in the Rule 5 Draft last December, Baumler has already had a week to remember. On Monday, Rangers manager Skip Schumaker surprised Baumler with a mound visit during his final spring training appearance to inform the 2025 fifth-round draft pick he made the Opening Day roster.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Baumler told Rangers Sports Network. “I was like, why is he coming out here?
“I thought I was … getting taken out of the game,” he laughed.