The 2025 MLB season is officially underway, as 28 teams made their domestic opener across the league. But before the season began, the chaos of roster shuffling saw many players get desginated for assignment, while others officially had their contracts selected. The Rockies, meanwhile, added a recently-released outfielder to their MLB roster. Here’s a recap of the pre-Opening Day roster shuffle.
Moniak joins Rockies
It didn’t take long for Mickey Moniak to find a home. Two days after the Angels cut Moniak, the Rockies scooped him up on a one-year Major League deal.
As noted earlier in the week, Moniak has power and bat speed. However, his aggressive style at the plate is a tough one to maintain. Nonetheless, it’s a move with upside, particularly since he’ll play his home games at Coors Field.
The move gives the Rockies five concrete outfielders. Colorado added utilityman Tyler Freeman late last week in a trade with the Guardians, plus technical outfielder Kris Bryant. Bryant, though, didn’t play the outfield in the Cactus League. He saw 12 starts at the DH spot, and two at first base.
Contract selections on Opening Day
Teams finalized their Opening Day rosters on the 27th with notable contract selections.
Mets catcher Hayden Senger made the team’s Opening Day roster, taking the backup spot with Francisco Alvarez on the IL. Houston made Cam Smith‘s selection official, and also finalized the selection of Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers went 0-3 with two strikeouts on March 27.
The Padres selected Jose Iglesias‘ contract. Iglesias hit .192/.192/.231 (.432 OPS) during the Cactus League. However, he can play multiple positions.
DFA’s on Opening Day
Aside from the signing of Moniak and the contract selections, DFA’s dominated the day.
The Mets designated outfielders Jose Azocar and Alexander Canario for assignment. Canario was arguably the more intriguing of the two, given he’s a prodigious power hitter. Plus, Canario had a good camp, as he hit .309 (1.030 OPS) with three home runs.
However, the Mets have a lot of outfield depth. Starling Marte is still on the roster, while Jose Siri, Tyrone Taylor, Brandon Nimmo, and Juan Soto fill out the rest of their outfielder list.
The White Sox, meanwhile, DFA’d Dominic Fletcher and Jake Eder to get their 40-man roster down. Chicago selected the contracts of Nick Maton, Travis Jankowski, and Mike Clevinger. All three played on Opening Day.
Eder was acquired in a notable trade two years ago. He’s a former fourth-round pick who was a top prospect at one point, and was acquired in the Jake Burger deal. Eder’s a lefty with interesting stuff, including a mid-90s fastball that plays up with decent IVB (15.2” in 2024).
The Padres DFA’d Tyler Wade and Eguy Rosario.
Toronto cut a trio of right-handers: Tommy Nance, Nick Robertson, and Zach Pop. The Cubs, meanwhile, cut Cody Poteet from their 40-man roster. Poteet was the piece who went back in the Cody Bellinger trade.
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