Fab Five: MLB rookies shine on Opening Day

Several first-year players made big impressions in their MLB debuts

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:03am

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Thursday's Opening Day saw several MLB rookies make their mark, with standout performances from Carter Baumler, Justin Crawford, JJ Wetherholt, Carson Benge, and Kevin McGonigle. The young players showcased their talent, with highlights including Baumler's first career strikeout, Crawford's two-hit game, Wetherholt's mammoth home run, Benge's homer and stolen base, and McGonigle's four-hit, two-RBI debut.

Why it matters

The impressive debuts of these young players are an exciting sign for the future of their respective teams and the league as a whole. Fans got a glimpse of the next generation of MLB stars, and these rookies will look to build on their strong starts as they aim to make an impact throughout the 2026 season.

The details

Carter Baumler, a 2025 fifth-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers, made his MLB debut by pitching a scoreless eighth inning despite loading the bases. Justin Crawford, son of 15-year MLB veteran Carl Crawford, went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles for the Philadelphia Phillies. Cardinals prospect JJ Wetherholt crushed a 425-foot home run in his first big-league at-bat. Mets rookie Carson Benge hit a solo homer and stole a base in his debut. And Tigers' top prospect Kevin McGonigle had a historic four-hit game, including a two-run double, in an 8-2 win over the Padres.

  • On Monday, Rangers manager Skip Schumaker informed Carter Baumler that he had made the Opening Day roster.
  • In the bottom of the third inning on Thursday, JJ Wetherholt hit a 425-foot home run in his MLB debut.
  • In the bottom of the sixth inning on Thursday, Carson Benge hit a solo home run in his MLB debut.

The players

Carter Baumler

A 2025 fifth-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers who made his MLB debut on Opening Day.

Justin Crawford

The son of 15-year MLB outfielder Carl Crawford, who went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in his MLB debut for the Philadelphia Phillies.

JJ Wetherholt

The fifth-best prospect in MLB, who hit a 425-foot home run in his first MLB at-bat for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Carson Benge

A 2024 first-round draft pick of the New York Mets, who hit a solo home run and stole a base in his MLB debut.

Kevin McGonigle

The Detroit Tigers' No. 2-ranked prospect, who went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs in his MLB debut.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't expecting it. I was like, why is he coming out here? I thought I was ... getting taken out of the game.”

— Carter Baumler, Rangers pitcher

“I did what I had to do to help this team win today. I'm looking forward to doing that all season.”

— Kevin McGonigle

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These impressive MLB debuts showcase the bright future of the league, as a new generation of talented players looks to make their mark. Fans can expect to see more standout performances from these young stars as the 2026 season progresses.