This Rockies Opening Day decision shouldn't catch anyone by surprise

Death, taxes, and Kyle Freeland taking the hill for the Colorado Rockies on Opening Day. Those are the three certainties we can all count on in this lifetime.

This marks Freeland's fifth Opening Day selection, which will be a franchise record. It comes full circle after his 2019 Opening Day start against the Miami Marlins, with another start set for 2026 against that same organization.

In 2019, against the Marlins, Kyle secured the win, allowing only one run on two hits over seven innings in a 6-3 Rockies victory. 

Colorado is aiming for a repeat performance on March 27th.

Freeland boasts a 1-2 Opening Day record, earning a no-decision in his last outing against the Rays. He pitched six scoreless innings, striking out seven, but Colorado ultimately lost 3-2.

Last season was a disaster, to put it mildly, for the Rockies, but Freeland recorded the lowest ERA among qualified Rockies starters at 4.98.

He became a workhorse during a 119-loss season, striking out 124 batters in 162.2 innings across 31 starts. Although he spent time on the 15-day injured list in mid-June due to lower back stiffness, he performed well upon his return.

You would have to say his start on September 5th against the Padres, at Coors Field nonetheless, was as good as it gets for the Colorado native.

Freeland pitched eight scoreless innings, striking out ten and allowing only two hits before Victor Vodnik shut the door in the ninth, resulting in a 3-0 Rockies victory.

The southpaw was nominated for the Rockies’ representative for the Roberto Clemente Award for the fourth consecutive year, recognizing his community work. He supports causes such as Fantasy Camp for Kids, benefiting Special Olympics Colorado, and youth baseball clinics.

Freeland will lead a veteran rotation as they aim to vastly improve after their disappointing 2025 season.