The complete 2022 MLB schedule was released recently, and it includes some exciting Opening Day matchups.
The 2022 schedule is out!
Mark your calendar accordingly. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/BY19ZgWWbU
— MLB (@MLB) August 4, 2021
The first day of the season is essentially a holiday for baseball fans, and Opening Day in 2022 figures to be a great one with some exciting games.
Today, we are ranking the three best games that will kick off the 2022 MLB season.
Let’s get started.
Honorable Mention: Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals
The Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals are going to open their 2022 seasons with a three-game set.
By most measures, this series doesn’t have a whole lot of appeal, but it will be the debut of the new name for Cleveland.
The team has been known as the Indians since 1915, but that is set to change next season.
Cleveland is changing its name from the Indians to the Guardians, according to a tweet from the team.
(via @Indians) pic.twitter.com/uc4Mvm1dSB
— ESPN (@espn) July 23, 2021
While the transition may take some getting used to, fans will definitely come around on the new name in due time.
3. Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies will meet to open the 2022 season in a matchup of two teams with several superstar players.
This matchup could gain some extra traction if the Phillies crack the playoffs in 2021, and right now, that looks like a possibility.
But no matter what, it will be great to see stars like Bryce Harper and Jose Altuve clashing in an interleague matchup to start the year.
Both teams have good trajectories for the future.
2. Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The two best teams in the American League East in 2021 will battle it out to start the 2022 season.
It’s safe to say that this series isn’t on the mind of either club right now, but for fans, it’s something to look forward to.
The 2021 AL East race will likely come down to the final days of the regular season, and you better believe that this will be a grudge match of sorts.
The teams are set to play several times throughout the 2022 campaign, and there’s a good chance that Boston and Tampa Bay could compete for the division title again next year (with the New York Yankees also expected to get into the mix).
1. San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants
We are learning in 2021 that the National League West is a loaded division, and fans are going to get a great taste of it to open the 2022 campaign.
The San Francisco Giants look like the best team in baseball this season, and the San Diego Padres are arguably the best young team.
With those two factors at play, this should be an electric series in the Bay Area.
Keep an eye out for the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr., Joe Musgrove, Buster Posey, and Kevin Gausman as key players.
Wrap-Up
Opening Day is always a good day, but the 2022 edition of the event looks like it’s going to be epic.
There is a lot of baseball to be played before we get there, though.
Right now, the focus is on the 2021 season, and we will soon crown a champion.
The playoff race is heating up as the summer winds down.
NEXT: 3 Reasons Why Blue Jays Remain In Contention For A Playoff Spot