With the 2026 Major League Baseball season approaching in about six weeks, teams have begun to announce their plans for Opening Day starting pitchers. Among these early declarations, Garrett Crochet is set to start for the Boston Red Sox, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the upcoming season.
As baseball fans look forward to Opening Day, CBS Sports has compiled a list of confirmed starters, though these designations may change due to injuries or roster adjustments. Below are details on several key pitchers slated to begin their team’s first game.
Garrett Crochet to Lead Boston Red Sox
Entering his second year with the Red Sox, Garrett Crochet will make his third straight Opening Day start, marking a significant milestone early in his career. Last season, Crochet stood out by finishing second in the American League Cy Young Award voting, recording an impressive 2.59 ERA and an exceptional strikeout-to-walk ratio of 5.54 across 32 starts. His consistent performance has positioned him as a reliable ace heading into 2026.
Detroit Tigers Place Confidence in Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal will take the mound for the Tigers in his third consecutive Opening Day start, tying a franchise record for the eighth-most such starts. Skubal earned back-to-back AL Cy Young awards and maintains a solid 3.08 ERA along with a 5.17 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 137 appearances. As Skubal approaches his walk year, this season could be pivotal, with expectations of a significant contract following his strong performances.
Houston Astros Name Hunter Brown as New Opening Day Starter
The Astros will see a change this year, with Hunter Brown getting the nod for Opening Day after Framber Valdez, now with Detroit, had started for Houston since 2022. Brown earned this opportunity on the strength of a 2.43 ERA and a 3.61 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 31 starts during 2025, signaling the team’s confidence in his ability to carry the pitching staff forward.
The selection of these pitchers to start on Opening Day reflects both their individual achievements and the strategic directions of their teams. Garrett Crochet’s role for Boston, Tarik Skubal’s status with Detroit, and Hunter Brown stepping up for Houston all highlight important storylines as the new MLB season approaches, suggesting an exciting year ahead for fans and players alike.
