Nolan McLean won’t be taking the mound for the New York Mets on Opening Day, but don’t worry-Freddy Peralta is stepping up for his regular season debut. It’s a choice that doesn’t disappoint. While a McLean versus Paul Skenes showdown would have been a classic battle of young aces, Peralta’s matchup offers its own intrigue, especially as he faces his former NL Central rivals post-Milwaukee Brewers.
If you’re not hyped yet, there’s another storyline to follow. Carson Benge and Konnor Griffin are two rookie position players vying for their spots on the Opening Day roster. Griffin, a 19-year-old prospect for the Pirates, is particularly interesting as he competes for a chance to shine.
While pitchers usually headline Opening Day, don’t overlook the potential debut of two of the league’s most promising hitters. Benge ranks 16th on MLB Pipeline’s list, while Griffin holds the top spot. Although they won’t face off directly, the possibility of one hitting to the other or a tag play adds a layer of excitement.
These young talents might not draw non-fans to their screens, but with Opening Day airing on NBC and Peacock, it’s a great chance for baseball enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of the future.
Of course, seeing Benge and Griffin square off isn’t set in stone-they both need to secure roster spots out of camp. Griffin, younger and with just 21 Double-A games under his belt, has a shot thanks to the Pirates’ offseason moves, including big offers to players like Kyle Schwarber. Neither player faces significant depth chart obstacles.
While a McLean vs. Skenes duel would have been thrilling, a nine-inning battle featuring Benge and Griffin is a compelling alternative. Imagine a walk-off hit by Benge to kick off the season-that’s the kind of drama we live for in baseball.