As the Rochester Red Wings get ready to open the 2026 International League season Friday night in Jacksonville, manager Matt LeCroy has a roster with the usual mixture of prospects, organizational depth players, and veterans making yet another push to get to the major leagues.

It is the very nature of Triple-A that LeCroy will be dealing with almost daily changes to his lineup, but with all the turnover at the top of the parent Washington Nationals’ leadership group, transactions may be even more prevalent than in the past.

“This year will probably be even more because we’ve got guys who have options so I’m sure you’ll see a lot of up and down,” said LeCroy, who after this three-game series against Jacksonville will bring his team home for Tuesday’s home opener against the New York Yankees’ top farm club, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. “We’re going to go about our business the right way, we’re going to work and compete, and I’m a big believer in the culture of the clubhouse, and that starts with me.”

Here are a few key players to watch on the Opening Day roster:

P Mitchell Parker

There’s a chance Parker isn’t in Rochester long, but for now, he needs to work on things following a season with the Nationals where he went 9-16 with a 5.68 ERA and 1.433 WHIP in 30 starts. That was a step down from his rookie 2024 season when he pitched to a 4.29 ERA and 1.305 WHIP in 29 starts.

The 6-foot-4, 239-pound lefty was unable to crack a Washington rotation that isn’t exactly brimming with studs as he could not beat out Foster Griffin, who hasn’t pitched in the bigs since 2022, 37-year-old veteran Miles Mikolas who had a 4.98 ERA over his last three years with the Cardinals, or well-traveled veteran Zack Littell.

“He’s been in the big leagues for the last year and a half, just kind of fine-tuning some stuff,” LeCroy said.

P Luis Perales

The 22-year-old righty came to the Nationals in a December trade with the Red Sox, and he’s a flame-thrower who LeCroy knew all about because he faced the Wings twice last September as a reliever and all four outs he recorded came via strikeout.

“We saw him last year with Worcester, throws 99-100,” LeCroy said. “He’s kind of a smaller guy (6-foot, 160 pounds), but he’s going to be a starter. He won’t be built up (at the start) so he’ll have somebody piggyback when he pitches at the beginning, but I am really curious to watch him compete.”

Perales is the sixth-highest-rated prospect in the Nationals’ system and across 47 career minor-league appearances (43 starts) he has a 3.31 ERA and 1.322 WHIP, mundane numbers, but he has averaged an electrifying 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings.

P Andrew Alvarez

The 26-year-old has spent the bulk of the last two years in Rochester, making a combined 41 starts in that time. Last year he led the Wings in starts (25), innings pitched (123.0) and strikeouts (114) while pitching to a 4.10 ERA and 1.350 WHIP.

That earned him a September call-up to Washington where he made five starts and compiled a solid 2.31 ERA and 1.114 WHIP across 23.1 innings. In his MLB debut on Sept. 1, the lefty was credited with the victory over the Marlins when he threw five scoreless innings yielding just one hit and two walks.

Again, the Nationals’ pitching staff is not strong so Alvarez could easily get back there if he starts well in Rochester.

OF Andrew Pinckney

The 25-year-old who was the Nationals’ fourth-round pick in the 2023 draft showed a flash when he came up to Rochester in 2024, then spent all season here in 2025 and was voted the team’s MVP after putting together a slash line of .269 average/.348 on-base/.431 slugging, an OPS of .780 with 20 homers, 66 RBI and 34 stolen bases.

“He’s an interesting guy,” LeCroy said. “Big, strong, (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), can run, hit homers, so I mean he’s got the package, right? He was probably my most improved player that I’ve had in Triple-A. Really, from what I saw the year before when he came up to now.”

OF Dylan Crews

There was much fanfare and huge expectations placed on Crews after the Nationals took him No. 2 overall in the 2023 draft, right after the Pirates chose pitcher Paul Skenes.

He played 49 games for the Wings in 2024 and hit eight homers, slashed .265/.340/.455 with an OPS of .795, and stole 10 bases and the Nationals called him up for his MLB debut though he struggled to make an impact. Last year he made the Nationals in the spring but he never found a groove and hit just .208 with 10 homers and 27 RBI which earned him three months back in Rochester. Now he’s down again as he tries to work out the mechanics of his swing.

“They’re revamping some stuff on his hitting that he started doing at the end of spring training,” LeCroy said. “If you look at it, it’s probably the right move to bring him down here and let him get going and if he gets hot, I’m sure he’ll go back up. But that’s the biggest thing, some things defensively, but he’s a premier talent, an elite talent and once he gets going, he’ll probably never be back in the minor leagues.”

OF Christian Franklin

He was a fourth-round pick of the Cubs in 2021 who came to the Nationals at the 2025 trade deadline and was sent to Rochester where he finished the season and really impressed LeCroy. In 31 games he slashed .290/.382/.427 for an OPS of .809. He has a career on-base percentage of .393 in the minors, so he’s a player who knows how to get aboard and he also has 71 stolen bases in his 338 minor-league games.

“We traded for him last year, and he almost made the (Nationals) out of spring,” LeCroy said. “He’ll rotate in the outfield because I’ve got four guys with Robert Hassel, Crews, Franklin and then Pinckney was our MVP.”

C Harry Ford

Fresh off a stint playing for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic, Ford will make his Rochester debut after being acquired by the Nationals from the Mariners in December, and he will do so as Washington’s No. 3-rated prospect, the highest on the Red Wings’ Opening Day roster.

The 23-year-old Ford was Seattle’s first-round pick in the 2021 draft (No. 12 overall) and in his only Triple-A season in 2025 he hit 16 homers, had 74 RBI and slashed .283/.408/.460 with an .868 OPS for Tacoma in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

For now, Drew Millas is the backup catcher in Washington behind Keibert Ruiz, but it is likely that Millas and Ford will swap locations if Ford delivers on the promise LeCroy and others see in him.

1B/3B Yohandy Morales

The Nationals’ second-round pick in 2023 was raking at Harrisburg last year so he was sent to Rochester in late May and finished the season here, hitting 11 homers with 49 RBI and a .731 OPS. He played the bulk of his games at first base, but the plan is to play him at third this season, too.

“He came up last year from Double-A but he was battling a little hand issue so he wasn’t as good as we’d like because he played through an injury, but I’m looking forward to him having a big year,” LeCroy said. “I think he can win a Gold Glove at first. He can play third, but to me, he’s a really, really good first baseman.”

DH/1B Matt Mervis

Mervis was originally a 39th-round pick of the Nationals out of high school in 2016 who chose to go to Duke and never spent a day in the Nats’ system, signing with the Cubs as a free agent in 2020. He hit 36 homers at three levels in 2022 and the Cubs called him up to great fanfare in 2023 thinking he would be their first baseman for the next decade.

Instead, he batted .155 across 36 games combined in 2023-24, was traded to the Marlins in 2025 where he hit just .175 in 42 games, and now the 27-year-old is trying to resuscitate his career in Rochester.

“He was part of big-league camp, left-handed bat, got big power. If he gets it going, that spot up there is wide open,” LeCroy said of the Nationals’ first base situation.

Sal Maiorana has covered the Buffalo Bills for more than four decades including 37 years as the full-time beat writer/columnist for the D&C. He has written numerous books about the history of the team, and he is also co-host of the BLEAV in Bills podcast/YouTube show. He can be reached at maiorana@gannett.com, and you can follow him on X @salmaiorana and on Bluesky @salmaiorana.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Red Wings Opening Day roster features top Nationals prospects

The Flour City's longest-running and most beloved sports franchise is poised to kick off another season of baseball at 1 Morrie Silver Way.

Led by the Washington Nationals' No. 3 prospect, catcher Harry Ford, the Rochester Red Wings open the 2026 season with a three-game weekend series in the Sunshine State against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Miami Marlins affiliate) beginning 7:05 p.m. Friday, March 27.

Red Wings home opener is March 31

The gates at ESL Ballpark open at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, for the home opener between the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York Yankees affiliate) and the Rochester Red Wings. Game time is 4:05 p.m.

Red Wings giveaway at home opener

The first 1,500 fans will receive a Red Wings knit hat, thanks to ESL Federal Credit Union. The first 5,000 fans get a magnet schedule, presented by iEvolve Technology.

Me and The Boyz will perform before the game. Pregame ceremonies start at 3:15 p.m. Incoming ESL Federal Credit Union President and CEO Tom Rogers will throw out the first pitch. Red Wings and Rochester Music Hall of Famer Fred Costello, celebrating his 50th season as team organist and 90th birthday (March 29), will perform the National Anthem.

Weather forecast for Red Wings home opener

Tuesday in Rochester will be mostly cloudy with a chance of rain. Temperatures will range from a high near 46 degrees to a low near 36 Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service office in Buffalo.

The Red Wings continue their "50-degree guarantee" for the home opener. If the temperature fails to reach 50 (indicated on the ballpark thermometer in the right field bullpen) during the game, fans can redeem their ticket for any home game in April or May this season.

Red Wings schedule for first homestand

• 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, March 31: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
• 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 1: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
• 6:05 p.m. Thursday, April 2: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
• 1:05 p.m. Friday, April 3: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
• 1:05 p.m. Saturday, April 4: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
• 1:05 p.m. Sunday, April 5: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

How to purchase Red Wings tickets

Tickets for all Red Wings games are available at RedWingsBaseball.com, over the phone at (585) 423-WING (9464), or in person at the Red Wings Ticket Office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Bill Wolcott is a producer who helps cover the Buffalo Bills, high school and Rochester sports in general. The lifelong New Yorker has been a journalist for 32 years.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester Red Wings home opener date, schedule

It's Opening Day for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and this season the back-to-back World Series champions will look to secure a third consecutive title.

Here are few things you need to know before the big game:

The Dodgers season will start with a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Game 1 kicks off at 5:30 p.m. but fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 4:45 p.m. for the Opening Day ceremony.

Stadium gates and the Dodgers team store will both open at 2:30 p.m.

Food from outside the stadium is allowed as long as it's in a clear bag. You can also check out the stadium's concession lineup for the new season.

With opening day at Dodger Stadium just a day away, fans can expect more than the usual ballpark bites when they take their seats.

As for transportation to the big game, Metro's Dodger Stadium Express is free for all ticket holders. It will start operating three hours before first pitch.

Fans can also use public transit to connect to the Dodger Stadium Express at Union Station and Harbor Gateway Transit Center.

Uber, the Dodgers' official rideshare program, is also an option to get to the ballpark. The rideshare service will enter through Gate B just off of Stadium Way to pick up and drop off riders in Lot 1.

Parking is available for $35 in advance or $40 at the door.

If you haven't purchased a ticket to the game yet, some are still available online.

Changes this season

Opening Day 2026 will be the first in 18 seasons where there won't be a locker in the Dodger's clubhouse for pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who hung up his cleats last year. This year, he will transition into the role of broadcaster.

Still, the Boys in Blue will try to get another World Series championship, and they've lined up some new powerhouses on the roaster to help.

The Dodgers secured one of the best closers in the game: former Met Edwin Diaz.

"He gives this team a closer where Dave Roberts doesn't have to wonder 'what am I going to do at the bottom of the 9th inning?'," said Doug McKain, host of "Dodgers Doughout."

If you thought signing the best relief pitcher on the market was enough, you'd be wrong wrong. The Dodgers also grabbed the best bat available.

A line-up that already boasts three former MVPs added prized outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Meanwhile, the field at Dodger Stadium has a sponsor name for the first time in the history of the third-oldest ballpark in the major leagues.

It will now be called Uniqlo Field, part of a historic partnership between the team and the global apparel retailer.

With Opening Day here, here's the final update to the preseason Top 300. I will be continuing on with a weekly updated in-season Top 300 on Mondays. Players are ranked for 5x5 mixed leagues using a one-catcher format. I include the mixed-league disclaimer because I do reward upside, particularly past the top 200 or so.

⚾️ Coming soon: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.

2026 Fantasy Baseball Top 300 overall ranks

**Updated March 26**

March 26 Notes

Falling off: Kirby Yates (242nd), Reynaldo López (267th), Brooks Baldwin (270th), Spencer Steer (276th), Aaron Ashby (288th), Dylan Beavers (289th), Ryan O'Hearn (296th)

March 20 Notes

- The unfortunate Dylan Crews update.

I was, of course, very high on Crews for fantasy purposes this year, not so much because I expected him to emerge as a star (at .747, he had the second lowest projected OPS of my top 60 position players ahead of only Pete Crow Armstrong), but because I thought he'd make a run at 40 steals on a bad Nationals team. I probably should have factored into my expectations that said bad Nationals team can retain him for an extra year by keeping him in the minors for seven weeks or so. And after his demotion on Friday, it sure looks like that's what they'll do.

Crews was in the midst of a poor spring. I didn't care about that, and I don't think the Nationals really did, either. After all, the prospect likely replacing him on the roster, Christian Franklin, is hitting .241/.267/.241 with a 10/1 K/BB in 30 plate appearances. I still expect that Crews will come back and be pretty useful in mixed leagues starting in June, but even if he goes on a tear right away and the Nationals offense is as poor as seems likely, he's probably not returning until those seven weeks are up. He comes in at No. 199 for now.

- That's the day's only change to the top 300. The Twins' decision to release Liam Hendriks got Cole Sands moved up some in my projections, but not enough to crack the list. It's kind of hard to imagine a bullpen with less upside than the one Minnesota is going to running out there. Like, it's not going to be as bad as Washington's, but at least the Nationals have a couple of guys who are interesting. My favorite Twins reliever is probably Cody Laweryson, who the team DFA'd over the winter and who later wound up getting released by the Angels before making his way back to Minnesota. And he still might not make the club.

March 19 Notes

Falling off: Lars Nootbaar (285th), Zebby Matthews (295th)

- We're short on major changes this week, which is great, because major changes are usually the result of injuries. I did drop Joe Musgrove once again, though it still looks like he might return from his Tommy John setback before the end of April. Trey Yesavage fell from 50th to 62nd among starters after the Jays finally came clean about the reason they were slowplaying him this spring. Still, the shoulder impingement doesn't sound like a disaster; he was able to pitch in a minor league game earlier this week.

- Moving up on the pitching side of things was Nathan Eovaldi, who has looked strong after missing the final five weeks of last season with a shoulder injury. I've also moved Zac Gallen back into the top 300 after dropping him following his late re-signing with the Diamondbacks. Gallen has averaged 94.7 mph with his fastball in his three spring starts. He averaged 93.5 mph last year, and his career-high there is 94.1 mph from 2022. There's no guarantee the boost will stick around, but if it does, one imagines he'll bounce back in the strikeout department; he finished with a 21.5% K rate last year after never coming in below 25% previously.

- On the offensive side, I couldn't help but give Daulton Varsho another boost. I put little stock in spring numbers for veteran bats, but five homers and two strikeouts in 47 plate appearances is absurd. Chandler Simpson (up 12 spots to No. 211) and Kevin McGonigle (up 18 spots to No. 224) also climbed while getting projected for a little more playing time.

- In case you missed it, I posted an article with all of my favorite players for 2026 on Sunday.

March 13 Notes

- Falling off: Sean Manaea (277th), Brandon Pfaadt (295th), Ryne Nelson (298th)

- Sorry, no notes right now. Working on my annual "undervalued players" column. Expect another update here early in the week.

March 9 Notes

- Falling off: Jurickson Profar (239th), Jordan Walker (299th), Dominic Canzone (300th)

- Aside from Profar's 162-game PED ban, it was a pretty quiet week. Profar's exit from the heart of Atlanta's lineup moved up a couple of the players who were due to hit behind him. Mike Yastrzemski still didn't crack the list, though; he's a nice player, but not one with a lot of fantasy potential.

- Hunter Greene's elbow problem has dropped him some while waiting for the official word about the source of his stiffness. He said his UCL is just fine, and if that's the case, he hopefully won't be looking at any sort of lengthy absence. He's tumbled from 49th to 74th for now.

- Pitching for his country did nothing for Carlos Estévez's velocity woes Monday, as his fastball was still down five mph from last year's norm. Maybe he gets it back, but he was far from one of my favorite relievers in the first place. He drops to No. 210 for now, and Lucas Erceg joins the top 300 at No. 282.

- Kevin McGonigle is another debut this week, as Detroit's No. 1 prospect comes in at No. 260. As of this point, I still think he's a little bit of a long shot to make the team; he'd be a defensive downgrade at short, and the Tigers entered the spring pretty well set with their 13 position players. But he might well be one of the club's better hitters already. When it comes to fantasy potential, I'm not sure he's ready to hit more than 20 homers yet, and he probably wouldn't be a big factor in steals (he was 10-for-17 stealing base in 88 minor league games last year after going 22-for-24 in A ball in 2024). He'd be a mixed-league guy playing regularly, but I don't think he'd offer top-100 potential as a rookie.

March 2 Notes

- Falling off: Pablo López (205th), Zac Gallen (244th), Jake McCarthy (297th), Max Scherzer (299th), Jac Caglianone (300th)

- This was longer between updates than I wanted to go, but things will definitely be better this month. One big change this update is that relievers have been pushed up. There's just aren't as many good bets for saves as usual this year, and the third- and fourth-tier closers are going earlier as a result. So, Kenley Jansen, for instance, jumping from No. 174 to No. 146 isn't the result of a projections change. It's just more the price that needs to be paid to get a mid-range closer.

- Many of the position player changes are a result of new lineup projections. Jo Adell was hit particularly hard there; I had him as the Angels' likely cleanup hitter entering the spring, but it's starting to look like he'll hit sixth behind Yoán Moncada and Jorge Soler. I had already dropped the Reds' Noelvi Marte some because of doubts over whether he'd continue to bat second, but now it looks like he might hit as low as eighth initially. On the other hand, Matt McLain has moved up some, since he's the likeliest choice to replace Marte.

- That Kyle Tucker is likely to bat second for the Dodgers moved him up from 13th to 10th. Fernando Tatis Jr. lost a little ground with the Padres seemingly dropping him from the leadoff spot, but not quite enough to push him below Nick Kurtz in the rankings, since there was a significant gap there initially.

- Yordan Alvarez is down a few spots because the Astros' self-inflicted logjam will put him back into the outfield at least occasionally. I was really hoping for 150 games from him as a DH this year. It's now pretty clear that neither Christian Walker nor Isaac Paredes is getting traded prior to Opening Day, so Paredes is down to No. 171 and Walker fell about 30 spots to No. 261. Paredes would be about 40 spots higher if assured regular playing time, and he really ought to be, given that he's probably Houston's second-best hitter.

- Konnor Griffin's three early homers helped get him a 20-spot bump in the rankings to No. 193, but I'm still projecting him to open up in the minors. If the Pirates announced tomorrow that he'd be their starting shortstop, I'd have him around 110th or so. He'd probably be good for 30-40 steals, but his ability to hit for average would be in some question, and while he already has above average major league power, he'll be playing half of his games in a ballpark that's as tough for right-handers to homer in as any in the league.

- The Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt is looking increasingly likely to land a starting job at second base. I'm not quite sure that would make him an asset in shallow leagues, in part because the Cardinals just don't have a very good lineup. He might make a run at 15 homers and 15 steals, but the run and RBI numbers probably won't be there, especially if he's batting in the bottom half of the order early on. He checks in at No. 264 for now.

It's opening day for the New York Mets as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field Thursday afternoon.

The Mets will be looking to shake off a disappointing end to last season, turning to a mix of familiar faces and new additions to make it happen.

It follows an unbelievably disappointing end to the 2025 season. The team went from having the best record in baseball early in the year to missing the playoffs entirely.

Team owner Steve Cohen and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns had a busy offseason, retooling most of the lineup. Fan favorites Edwin Diaz, Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo are all gone.

Fans will have new names to root for, including the man on the mound today, Freddy Peralta. The Mets traded for the ace during the offseason.

The team will also feature several new infielders, including Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco and Marcus Semien.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke to reporters Wednesday, saying he was excited to see the team take the field this year.

The Mets actually hold the best opening day record in all of baseball, but they face a tough challenge Thursday. They are set to take on reigning Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. at Citi Field.

The quest for another Red October begins on Thursday.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Phillies-Rangers game.

The newly renovated Phillies Team Store has tons of new merchandise for fans of all ages this season.

What time does the game start?

First pitch begins at 4:15 p.m.

Who is the starting pitcher?

Cristopher Sánchez will be on the mound for the Phillies.

Where can I park?

Click here for a parking map.

Parking for Phillies games is cashless. Methods of payment include credit/debit cards and mobile payment (Apple Pay and Google Pay). To expedite entry, pre-paid parking passes may also be purchased prior to the game.

Tailgating lots (A-H, M, N & O) will open at 11:00 a.m.; all other lots will open at 1:00 p.m.

Weather forecast

We soar to the 70s for the Phillies home opener. A cold front approaches later in the evening bringing a round of rain overnight into Friday morning.

HELLO 70S!
Just in time for the Phillies home opener we have a surge of warm air moving into the region. Enjoy it while it lasts. Temps crash from the 70s into the 50s on Friday. Then just 40s on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/PfyxDdbD7y

— Cecily Tynan (@CecilyTynan) March 26, 2026

Where can I share photos?

Share your best fan photos with 6abc - you might just see yourself on Action News! Click here to learn more.

Elmer King from King Swings shows us the new playground for kids inside the first base gates at Citizens Bank Park.

Opening Day roster

The Phillies have finalized their Opening Day roster for the 2026 regular season. The 26-man roster includes 13 pitchers (six left-handers and seven right-handers), two catchers, six infielders, four outfielders and one designated hitter.

Pitchers (13):

Left-handers - José Alvarado, Kyle Backhus, Tanner Banks, Jesús Luzardo, Tim Mayza and Cristopher Sánchez. Right-handers - Jonathan Bowlan, Jhoan Duran, Brad Keller, Aaron Nola, Andrew Painter, Zach Pop and Taijuan Walker.

Catchers (2):

Rafael Marchán and J.T. Realmuto.

Infielders (6):

Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Dylan Moore, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott and Trea Turner.

Outfielders (4):

Justin Crawford, Adolis García, Otto Kemp and Brandon Marsh.

Designated Hitter (1):

Kyle Schwarber.

The Phillies selected the contracts of Crawford and infielder Christian Cairo, and optioned Cairo to triple-A Lehigh Valley. Catcher Garrett Stubbs was designated for assignment.

Additionally, the Phillies placed right-handed pitchers Orion Kerkering (right hamstring strain), Max Lazar (left oblique strain) and Zack Wheeler (right shoulder surgery) on the 15-day injured list, all retroactive to March 22.

MLB Senior Manager of Global Events Rob Field talks about all the fun coming to Philadelphia for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in June.

Opening Day Fan Lineup

• 9:00 a.m -- Newly renovated New Era Phillies Team Store opens.

• 1:25 p.m. -- Phillies batting practice.

• 1:45 p.m. -- All gates open. All fans receive a 2025 NL East Champions Pennant, courtesy of Nemours Children's Health.

• 2:25 p.m. -- Rangers batting practice.

• 3:30 p.m. -- Opening Day ceremonies begin.

Who's singing the national anthem?

It will be performed by Kane Kalas, son of the late Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas, at his father's statue behind Section 141. The 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard (also known as the Jersey Devils) will perform a flyover following the national anthem.

Ceremonial first pitch

The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by 10-year-old Lucas Bibro, a Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware patient, alongside his cardiologist Dr. Mark Cartoski, caught by Phillies shortstop Trea Turner.

Plus, 1976 and 1996 Phillies All-Star alumni Larry Bowa, Greg "The Bull" Luzinski, Mike Schmidt and Ricky Bottalico will throw a ceremonial first pitch to current Phillies All-Stars.

New Food Options

Sánchez Sliders

It features a duo of honey-stung chicken tenders tossed in a house-made hot spice blend and served on potato rolls with Grillo's Pickles, garlic aioli and Mike's Hot Honey. (Coca-Cola Corner - Left Field Plaza & Cadillac Hall of Fame Club)

A portion of the proceeds benefits Clínica de Familia, a nonprofit community healthcare clinic in Sánchez's hometown of La Romana.

Schwarbomb Sundae

It features a shareable-sized sundae worthy of a Kyle Schwarber moonshot, featuring Richman's soft-serve topped with a funnel-cake-fried strawberry Uncrustable, fresh strawberry sauce and fruity cereal pieces - all served in a 2026 MLB All-Star Game batting helmet. (Coca-Cola Corner Treats - Left Field Plaza)

A portion of the proceeds benefits Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes, which directly supports first responders, military personnel and their families.

The Sweeper

A ribeye steak smothered in pizza sauce and topped with provolone cheese and pepperoni. A portion of the proceeds from each sandwich sold will be donated to The Luzardo Family Foundation, directly benefitting children's health and wellness and underserved community programs. (Campo's - Ashburn Alley)

New food vendors also include Freddy's Frozen Custard (Home Plate - Section 126) and LaScala's Fire (Philadelphia Insurance Club).

Other new creations and enhancements include the following:

1883 Burger Co Smash Burger

A reinvented ode to the Phillies inception, now composed of two Pat LaFrieda signature blend patties with yellow American cheese, Grillo's Pickles and sweet heat sauce served on a Liscio's Bakery potato roll. (Sections 109, 207 & 323)

Bull's BBQ Sampler Platter

A perfect option for the fan who wants it all. Generous tasting portions of Bull's signature pulled pork, burnt ends and smoked turkey are paired with baked beans and creamy coleslaw, served with classic white bread. (Left Field Plaza)

Hatfield Phootlong Dog

A jumbo version of the classic Phillies Frank, served on a Liscio's Bakery potato roll. (Sections 114, 129 & 314 - Hatfield Classics Grill)

Wilt's Chocolate Smothered Berries

A viral sensation that was brought to Reading Terminal Market now arrives at Citizens Bank Park. Fresh strawberries are piled high and smothered in a proprietary milk chocolate blend right before fans' eyes. The perfect treat for summer! (Section 111 & Cadillac HOF Club)

Promotional Giveaways

Opening Day phans will receive a 2025 NL East Champions pennant.

But what else do the Phillies have in store for the fans?

The Phillie Phanatic helps share a sneak peek at some of the giveaways and promotions planned for Phillies phans at Citizens Bank Park this season.

The Phillie Phanatic shows off some of the giveaways and promotions fans can expect this season at Phillies games.