The Opener: Games Begin, Extensions, Offseason Review

As we celebrate the return of baseball, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on today:

1. Baseball is back!

Finally, baseball games are set to return to our TV screens and radios. Just two games are on the docket today: the Rangers against the Royals at 2:05pm CT, and the Mariners against the Padres at 2:10pm CT. Left-hander Daniel Lynch is known to be starting the spring opener for the Royals, while lefty Robbie Ray takes the mound for Seattle against right-hander Nick Martinez of the Padres. Of course, given these are the first games of the spring and players are still getting stretched out, it’s likely said starts will only last an inning or two. The rest of the league will begin playing spring games over the weekend, with full slates of games on both Saturday and Sunday.

2. Are spring extensions on the way?

As is often the case during spring training, rumors regarding potential extension discussions have bubbled up across baseball in recent weeks. Most recently, rumors have indicated the Pirates and Bryan Reynolds may soon resume talks while Tim Anderson hopes to get something done to stay on the south side of Chicago. Those aren’t the only extension-related rumors percolating, however, as the Phillies have reportedly exchanged offers with the camp of ace Aaron Nola, new Astros GM Dana Brown hopes to extend more players even after signing Cristian Javier, and Brewers shortstop Willy Adames recently discussed his hopes to stay in Milwaukee long term.

3. Offseason in Review series continues

MLBTR’s annual Offseason in Review series will continue later today, as MLBTR’s Steve Adams recaps the Athletics’ winter and hosts an A’s-centric chat at 2pm CT. If you’re unable to make the chat, you can submit a question in advance. This comes on the heels of Darragh McDonald kicking off this year’s OiR series with a look back at the Pirates’ offseason yesterday. You can check out the transcript from Darragh’s Pirates chat if you missed it, and be sure to check back this afternoon for the A’s installments.