Fri Mar 28 06:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Baseball Season Opens with Shocking Free Agent Omissions

**NEW YORK, NY** – Major League Baseball’s 2025 regular season begins Thursday, but two notable names are missing from opening day rosters: former All-Stars J.D. Martinez and Anthony Rizzo remain unsigned free agents.

The absence of Rizzo, a four-time Gold Glove winner and former World Series participant with the Yankees, is particularly surprising. Despite a down year in 2024, his impressive career statistics – a .261 lifetime batting average, 303 home runs, and 965 RBIs – and respected clubhouse presence make his lack of a team perplexing. Rizzo’s best years were with the Chicago Cubs, where he was a key part of their 2016 World Series-winning team alongside Kris Bryant and Javier Báez. He has stated his intention to continue playing.

While both players are expected to consider injury replacements, their situations highlight the unpredictable nature of the off-season.

Elsewhere in baseball news, the Orioles and Adley Rutschman have yet to agree on a long-term contract, and the Toronto Blue Jays are considered one of the most intriguing teams this year, according to Sports Illustrated’s Brady Farkas. Finally, New York Yankees legend Andy Pettitte will throw the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium’s Opening Day.

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