Pittsburgh right-hander Paul Skenes will be the youngest pitcher in 11 years to start a season opener when he takes the mound for the Pirates. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year award winner will be 22 years and 302 days old on March 27 when Pittsburgh plays at Miami. José Fernández of the Marlins was 21 years and 243 days old when he opened 2014. Major League Baseball made its annual announcement of opening day starters and also revealed Skenes will be the fastest first overall draft pick to start on opening day. He was drafted in 2023.