The MLB is back and in full swing. The 2026 opening weekend gave us some great games as well as some moments we will be talking about for the rest of the season. Although teams have played about three or four games, several storylines are taking shape and will be worth monitoring for the rest of the season. Here are three storylines that are catching the baseball world’s attention from the first weekend of games.
The ABS System is Here and Holding Umpires Accountable
The biggest change the MLB made this offseason was the addition of the ABS Challenge system. For the first time in baseball history, you can now challenge whether a pitch was a ball or a strike. With such a dramatic change, everyone was anxious to see it in use. Thankfully, for fans, we got to see it be used plenty of times during the opening series. The system was used 175 times, with 94 being successful. Most of the challenges and successes came from catchers who went 59-for-92 on challenges. Batters did not have as much luck going 33-for-78.
Most importantly for the MLB was how much the fans seemed to like it. The reception to this new rule has been relatively positive. Many like that the challenges are quick and hold umpires accountable. This was clearly evident in the Cincinnati Reds fans’ reaction to it on Saturday. C.B. Bucknor had six pitches overturned, causing lots of cheers from the fans. For years, Bucknor has been regarded as one of the most inaccurate umpires in baseball, constantly missing calls. But now he, along with other inaccurate umpires, will be held accountable for their bad calls and corrected. That is music to every baseball fan’s ears.
Concerns Munetaka Murakami About Adjusting to MLB Were Overblown
During the offseason, there were many concerns about Munetaka Murakami. For years, he was one of the best power hitters in Japan, racking up 246 career homers and holding the record for the most home runs in one season with 56. While this was impressive, there was a ton of concern about his ability to handle high-velocity and high-strikeout rates. This is why it took so long for him to sign, and he had to settle for a two-year deal with the Chicago White Sox. But his first three games have made these concerns look silly. He clubbed three homers and drew four walks in 13 plate appearances.
This is the type of production the hitters were missing last season. The White Sox were in the bottom third of the MLB in nearly every offensive category last season. It was a major reason they were once again one of the league’s worst teams. If Murakami can continue this type of production, it will greatly improve the White Sox lineup. It will give them a legitimate threat in their order and someone for the team to build around. He could become one of the core pieces that the White Sox decide to build around. Providing the fanbase with the hope it desperately needs.
Mike Torut Has Turned Back the Clock
For years, Mike Trout has been one of the most tragic players in the MLB. He had gone from the best player in the game to one who could never stay on the field. Every season since 2021, Trout has missed a portion of the season due to injury. This has caused his numbers to decline dramatically. It appeared as if we were watching the end of Trout’s career. But these past few games have looked like vintage Trout. He is six for 13 with two home runs, three RBIs, five runs, seven walks, and a stolen base. He has also made several highlight reel catches. So far, he looks like the Trout that was constantly winning MVP awards.
If Torut can keep playing like this and stay on the field, it would be huge for the Angels. While it will not help them make the playoffs, the team would be much more competitive. This is a team that could be in the wild card hunt late into the summer. At the very least, they will not be the worst team in the majors, as many expect. It could also speed up the Angels’ rebuild process. A healthy Trout will make the team a destination again. Even with the team being dysfunctional, who would not want to play with one of the best players of this era? It could bring several marquee free agents to Anaheim, making the team competitive again.
