Milwaukee (0-0) at NY Yankees (0-0)
- When: Mar 27 2025, 3:05 PM
- Where: Yankee Stadium, Bronx
- Where to watch: ESPN
MLB Opening Day Preview: Brewers vs. Yankees
Moneyline: Yankees -159 | Total: U 8.0 (-115)
The New York Yankees kick off their 2025 campaign at home against the Milwaukee Brewers in a game that carries postseason undertones despite being the season opener. Both clubs had their 2024 playoff dreams crushed in gut-wrenching fashion and now look to reset the narrative from Day 1.
New York Yankees Outlook
The Yankees enter this matchup looking to defend their AL title without some key pieces from last season. The offseason saw major roster shifts — with Juan Soto, Gerrit Cole, and Giancarlo Stanton all unavailable to start the year. Soto departed for the Mets on a massive deal, while Cole underwent Tommy John surgery, and Stanton is sidelined indefinitely due to elbow issues.
Still, the Bronx Bombers aren’t short on talent. New additions Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt bring firepower to the lineup, and former Brewers closer Devin Williams gives the bullpen a serious late-inning edge.
Left-hander Carlos Rodón gets the Opening Day nod. After an injury-plagued 2023, he bounced back strong with a 16-win season and 175 innings pitched. He also owns a 2.65 career ERA in four starts versus Milwaukee, including a dominant six-inning, two-hit performance last April.
Milwaukee Brewers Outlook
Milwaukee enters a new era with manager Pat Murphy at the helm and high hopes for a deep playoff run after a 93-win season. While they lost Game 3 of their NL Wild Card series in heartbreaking fashion, the Brewers return most of their core, minus Willy Adames.
All eyes will be on sophomore star Jackson Chourio, who finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting after slashing .275 with 21 homers and 22 stolen bases. With Christian Yelich back from injury, the lineup has the potential to cause trouble early.
Freddy Peralta starts for the Brew Crew and is coming off a solid 11-9 season with a 3.68 ERA and 210 strikeouts. He’s making his first career start against the Yankees but has faced Bellinger and Goldschmidt with moderate success.
Betting Outlook & Predictions
Spread/Line:
Yankees are listed as -159 favorites, indicating strong confidence in their Opening Day edge at home.
Run line sits at Yankees -1.5 (+135), suggesting a close contest is expected.
Total:
The over/under is set at 8.0, and with both teams featuring power bats and solid starting pitching, this number is right on the money.
Score Prediction:
Yankees 5, Brewers 4
Expect New York’s depth and home-field advantage to push them over the top, but Peralta won’t make it easy.
Best Bets:
Moneyline: Yankees -159 – backed by Rodón’s Opening Day resume and a revamped offense.
Total: Lean Over 8.0 (-105) – both teams should generate run-scoring chances against solid but hittable starters.
This should be a tightly contested battle, but the Yankees’ upgrades and Rodón’s form give them a slight edge. Expect some early-season fireworks in the Bronx.
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
