Kevin McGonigle, 3B, Tigers: McGonigle, Baseball America’s No. 2 prospect, has long been lauded as one of the purest hitters in the minor leagues. It didn’t take long for him to validate that reputation on baseball’s biggest stage. Slotted into the Tigers lineup on Opening Day, McGonigle delivered a statement performance, collecting four hits in his Major League debut. In doing so, he became just the second player in franchise history—and the 21st Major Leaguer since 1900—to record a four-hit game in his debut, immediately etching his name into the record books.

JJ Wetherholt, 2B, Cardinals: Wetherholt made sure his MLB debut would be one Cardinals fans will not forget.

Wetherholt homered to center field in the third inning against the Rays to give St. Louis a 1-0 lead on Opening Day. The homer left his bat at 101.7 mph and traveled an estimated 425 feet. He finished the day 1-for-4 in a 9-7 Cardinals win.

The 23-year-old surprisingly fell to the seventh pick in the 2024 MLB draft. The Cardinals took advantage and Wetherholt, the 2023 NCAA D-I batting champ, has been one of the best hitting prospects in the minors since he signed.

Wetherholt ranks as the No. 3 prospect in baseball. His first MLB home run is just the start.

Carson Benge, OF, Mets: Benge had already received a vote of confidence earlier in the week, becoming the first Mets prospect to crack the Opening Day roster since Pete Alonso in 2019. With that opportunity fully in front of him, he seized it. Facing the Pirates, Benge turned his first big league hit into a moment he’ll never forget, driving a solo home run that instantly announced his arrival. Benge went 1-for-3 with two walks and a steal in an 11-7 win.

Chase DeLauter, OF, Guardians: Two days into the 2026 MLB season, DeLauter is the MLB home run leader.

In his regular season MLB debut, DeLauter provided the power as the Guardians beat the Mariners in both team's season openers. DeLauter's first-inning home run off Logan Gilbert was a lofted fly ball that just cleared the right field fence. There was no doubt about his 422-foot, 111.1 mph ninth-inning home run off Cooper Criswell.

DeLauter also singled and then scored in the seventh as part of a 3-for-5 day. It was an exceptional MLB debut, although in DeLauter's case, it's a second debut. This was DeLauter's first MLB regular season game, but DeLauter did play in two wild card playoff games for the Guardians last season.

Editor’s Picks

30 Prospect Trade Targets: Using BA’s Prospect Handbook to identify one fascinating under-the-radar trade target for every team. Read more…

In-Person Evaluations: Geoff Pontes checks in from his trip to Florida to highlight standout Cardinals, Marlins and Nationals prospects. Read more…

Youngest, Oldest Players: From Didier Fuentes to Justin Verlander, here are the youngest and oldest active players on 2026 Opening Day rosters. Read more…

Baseball America Helium Pick Of The Day

Each day, we’ll pick a prospect that has our attention.

Walbert Ureña, RHP, Angels: At just 22 years old, Ureña etched his name into franchise history, becoming the youngest player to debut on Opening Day for the Los Angeles Angels since Tom Brunansky did so at age 20 in 1981. It’s a distinction that felt unlikely even a few weeks earlier, but Ureña forced the issue with a dominant showing in big league camp, where his fastball consistently overpowered hitters and earned him a spot in the bullpen. Entrusted with the first call out of the bullpen, Ureña’s debut came with a mix of nerves and promise. He allowed a hit and a walk while recording two outs, but flashed the electric arm that got him there. His first big league strikeout was a statement, blowing a 99 mph sinker past Yainer Diaz for a swing and miss.

Quick Hits

Prospect news and notes from around baseball…

• Reds first baseman Sal Stewart went 3-for-4 with two doubles in a 3-0 loss to the Red Sox.

• Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford picked up his first two big league hits.

• Cardinals outfielder Nathan Church had quite the day. He went 3-for-4, and he also made an incredible defensive play in left field.

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