Opening Day: Who's In and Who's Out?

The 2025 MLB season is finally here. It started in Tokyo with the Dodgers and Cubs, but now, 26 teams are joining in. The Yankees and Brewers will start the day, while the Rays and Rockies will wait until tomorrow. The Rays are taking extra time to get their new stadium ready. Livan Soto, a young infielder, is in a tough spot. He's not on the Orioles' 40-man roster, but he has a locker at the Rogers Centre. The Orioles got him from the Reds last summer. He played 12 games, showing he can play second, third, and shortstop. But will he make the Opening Day roster? It depends on Jorge Mateo, another utility man, who had elbow surgery. If Mateo starts the year on the injured list, Soto might get the spot. Bryan Baker, a right-hander, is also in limbo. He has a locker in Toronto, but he hasn't been told if he made the team. Baker is on the 40-man roster and out of minor league options. If he doesn't make the team, the Orioles will have to make a tough decision. Baker had a good rookie season but struggled last year. His underlying numbers were solid, though. He's competing with Matt Bowman and Roansy Contreras for the final bullpen spot. Neither of them has a locker in Toronto, so it looks like Baker might have the edge. Opening Day is always exciting. Fans get to see their favorite teams start the season. But for some players, it's a day of uncertainty. Will they make the team? Or will they be sent down or released? For Soto and Baker, it's a day of waiting and hoping. They've worked hard to get to this point. Now, they just have to wait and see if their hard work pays off. Baseball is a game of numbers and strategy. Teams have to make tough decisions about who to keep and who to let go. It's not always fair, but it's part of the game. For Soto and Baker, it's a day of uncertainty. But for fans, it's a day of excitement and hope. The season is starting, and anything can happen.