The Cincinnati Reds open the 2026 season at Great American Ball Park on Thursday, hosting the Boston Red Sox for a 4:10 p.m. ET first pitch. Left-hander Andrew Abbott gets the Opening Day start for Cincinnati against right-hander Garrett Crochet.

The Pitching Matchup

Abbott earned the Opening Day nod after a strong spring training. The left-hander will make his first Opening Day start as the Reds look to set the tone for the season. Crochet, acquired by the Red Sox in the offseason, brings a dominant fastball and will test Cincinnati's lineup from the start.

Season Outlook

The Reds enter 2026 with high expectations. The additions of Ke'Bryan Hayes, Nathaniel Lowe, and Brady Singer bolster a roster built around young stars Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and a deep pitching staff. Manager Terry Francona begins his first full season at the helm.