Three former University of Utah baseball players are set to start the MLB season on Opening Day rosters, highlighting the university's growing impact on professional baseball. Tanner Banks, who pitched for Utah from 2013 to 2014, is on the Philadelphia Phillies' roster. Last season, he pitched a total of 72.1 innings across both the Chicago White Sox and Phillies, showcasing a solid ERA of 3.98. His journey from the 18th round of the 2014 draft to the MLB is a testament to his resilience and skill.

Oliver Dunn, who played for the Utes from 2017 to 2019, will begin his season with the Milwaukee Brewers. Drafted by the New York Yankees in 2019, Dunn made his MLB debut in March 2024, and last season he appeared in 41 games with a .221 batting average. DaShawn Keirsey Jr., a standout from 2016 to 2018, is on the Opening Day roster for the Minnesota Twins after making his debut in September 2024. Keirsey Jr. had limited appearances last season but showed promise with a solo home run in his brief stint.

With spring training in full swing, Major League Baseball's 2025 season is on the horizon, prompting teams to finalize their Opening Day starters. This year's line-up is expected to feature some familiar and new faces as teams evaluate their rosters ahead of the season's commencement. Many franchises are looking at changes due to injuries or trades, with notable pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Tarik Skubal, and Yusei Kikuchi highlighted for their likely starting roles. Each team’s Opening Day starter carries significance for fantasy leagues, as these pitchers could set the tone for their seasons.

For instance, the Arizona Diamondbacks may lean towards Corbin Burnes, reflecting a critical offseason acquisition for the team. The Atlanta Braves will likely hand the ball to Chris Sale, aiming to replicate his prior success. In contrast, the Chicago Cubs will see Shota Imanaga making his debut Opening Day start in Japan. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees seem poised to feature Gerrit Cole, while the Philadelphia Phillies will again trust Zack Wheeler, who’s coming off a stellar previous year. As teams make their announcements, tracking these decisions can offer crucial insights for fantasy leagues and betting markets.

The Philadelphia Phillies are likely finished making significant additions to their Major League roster this offseason, as they appear to be shifting their focus towards depth at their Triple-A affiliate. Despite fans' frustrations over playoff performances in recent years, the team's current roster is still viewed as competitive enough to contend for a World Series title. However, the bullpen remains a notable concern, particularly after the acquisition of Jesus Luzardo, which addressed previous rotation issues.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Orion Kerkering is projected to take on the closer role, despite having faced challenges in save situations during his rookie year. The long relief positions are expected to feature Joe Ross, Jose Ruiz, and Taijuan Walker, with Walker likely transitioning into a bullpen role due to competition for rotation spots. Meanwhile, the backend of the bullpen will include Matt Strahm, Jordan Romano, Jose Alvarado, and Tanner Banks, with Strahm potentially serving as a versatile option for high-pressure situations.

Overall, the Phillies are not expected to pursue high-profile relief options, which places the onus on existing players to improve or rebound from previous seasons. The organization is banking on these players to step up, as they navigate a bullpen that lacks established star power.

The Philadelphia Phillies' 2024 season came to a disappointing end with a 4-1 loss to the New York Mets, marking their early exit from the postseason after a strong regular season. Despite winning the National League East title, the team struggled offensively and faced a significant collapse from their bullpen.

During the NLDS, the Phillies' relief pitchers, who had been effective throughout the regular season, faltered dramatically, posting an ERA of 11.37. This led to a swift elimination, as critical moments, including a grand slam by Francisco Lindor, highlighted their struggles.