A Preview of Gamecock Alumni on MLB Opening Day 2025

The 2025 Major League Baseball Season Kicks Off on Opening Day

After a long offseason, the wait is finally over. Opening Day for the 2025 MLB season is upon us, and while the season technically started last week in Japan with the Dodgers and Cubs facing off in a brief two-game series, Thursday marks the beginning of the 162-game grind toward the World Series for all 30 teams.

As we dive into the new season, several South Carolina baseball alums are making their mark on Opening Day rosters. While the number of former Gamecocks in the league has slightly decreased in recent years, there’s still strong representation across Major League Baseball. Here’s a breakdown of where each Gamecock is playing this season.

Jonah Bride — Miami Marlins

In his second season with the Miami Marlins, Jonah Bride looks to continue building on a solid 2024 campaign. After being traded from the Athletics ahead of last season, Bride hit .276 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs in 232 at-bats, with an impressive .818 OPS, one of the highest on the team.

Bride became a regular fixture in the Marlins’ lineup starting July 4 and is expected to play a prominent role this season, potentially starting at either first or third base. Now entering his age-29 season, the former 23rd-round pick from the 2018 MLB Draft will look to establish himself further in the Marlins’ lineup.

Jordan Montgomery — Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Montgomery’s season has taken an unfortunate turn. Just days before the season’s start, Montgomery learned he will require Tommy John surgery due to a sprained left ulnar collateral ligament. This will keep the left-handed pitcher sidelined for the entire 2025 season, marking the second time in his career that he’ll undergo elbow surgery, having dealt with a similar injury in 2019.

Montgomery, coming off a tough 2024 season with a 6.23 ERA in 21 starts for the Arizona Diamondbacks, was looking to bounce back after finishing with an 8-7 record. However, with his surgery scheduled and free agency looming in 2026, Montgomery’s future remains uncertain.

Carmen Mlodzinski — Pittsburgh Pirates

Carmen Mlodzinski is set for a significant step forward in his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After spending his first two seasons primarily in the bullpen, Mlodzinski has earned a spot in the Pirates’ rotation as their fifth starter for 2025.

The former 31st overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Mlodzinski has posted a career 2.75 ERA with 80 strikeouts and 37 walks in his time with the Pirates. He is expected to make his first start of the season on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays, though his exact start date remains TBA.

Clarke Schmidt — New York Yankees

Injuries have already impacted Clarke Schmidt’s season, as the New York Yankees right-hander begins the year on the 15-day injured list due to right rotator cuff tendonitis. Schmidt, who made 16 starts for the Yankees in 2024, posted a solid 2.85 ERA with 93 strikeouts and 30 walks, despite a right lat strain that kept him sidelined for nearly three months.

Schmidt returned just in time for the Yankees’ deep postseason run last year, and after recovering from this injury, he is expected to rejoin the Yankees’ rotation.

Christian Walker — Houston Astros

In a notable offseason move, Christian Walker signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Houston Astros just before Christmas, after spending the last eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Walker, 33, is coming off a season in which he hit .251 with 26 homers and 84 RBIs in 130 games.

A three-time National League Gold Glove winner at first base, Walker has established himself as one of the top defensive first basemen in the league. Despite dealing with oblique soreness during spring training that limited him to just four games, Walker is expected to be ready for Opening Day and will make his debut with the Astros this season.

As the MLB season gets underway, the contributions of these former Gamecocks will be a point of pride for South Carolina fans. Keep an eye on these players as they look to make an impact on the diamond throughout the 2025 season.