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MontrealExpos · 01-31-2025, 05:47 PM

The AthleticMarch 27, 2024
By Ethan McAllister

Montreal Expos Set to Open 2024 Season in Cincinnati

MONTREAL – It has been a long road back, but on Thursday, March 28, Major League Baseball returns to Montreal as the Expos travel to Great American Ball Park to take on the Cincinnati Reds for Opening Day. With the excitement of a new era and the reality of a rebuild ahead, this season will be about finding an identity and laying a foundation for the future.

For General Manager Fred Bergeron, 2024 is a year of evaluation. The roster, a mix of veterans and younger talent, reflects that mindset. While expectations are tempered, the goal remains to establish a culture and assess which players fit the long-term vision.

“We’re looking at this season as a chance to set the tone,” Bergeron said. “This isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about building something sustainable. We want to be competitive, we want to improve, and we want to identify players who will help us get to where we want to be.”

The Expos' Opening Day lineup will feature Lane Thomas (RF), Jesse Winker (DH), Eddie Rosario (LF), Joey Gallo (1B), Keibert Ruiz (C), Luis Garcia (2B), Victor Robles (CF), Nick Senzel (3B), and Nasim Nuñez (SS). Notably, Winker and Senzel will be facing their former team in Cincinnati, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the opener.

The bench will include Riley Adams (C), CJ Abrams (INF), Juan Yepez (1B/OF), and Dermis Garcia (1B/3B), giving the team a mix of versatility and offensive potential.

On the mound, MacKenzie Gore will take the ball as the Opening Day starter, leading a rotation that also includes Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Joan Adon, and Trevor Williams. The bullpen will feature Hunter Harvey (closer), Kyle Finnegan (setup), Matt Barnes, Dylan Floro, Tanner Rainey, Patrick Corbin, Joe LaSorsa, and Derek Law.

“Every team I’ve been on has its own personality,” said Eddie Rosario, who will start in left field. “What we have here is a group figuring out what that is. That’s part of what makes this exciting.”

Gallo, who signed on to be one of the veteran leaders, emphasized the importance of instilling a strong work culture in the returning franchise.

“For a lot of these younger guys, this is an opportunity to establish themselves,” Gallo said. “We’re all professionals, we’re here to work, and we’re here to compete. That’s what matters.”

On the mound, MacKenzie Gore (25) will take the ball as the Opening Day starter, leading a rotation that also includes Josiah Gray (26), DJ Herz (23), Joan Adon (25), and Trevor Williams (32).

Herz, the lone rookie in the rotation, sees the moment as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

“There’s nothing better than competing alongside a group that’s working to prove itself,” Herz said. “I love the energy here. I love being part of something that’s growing. We’re in this together.”

In the bullpen, Hunter Harvey (29) takes over as the team’s closer, with Kyle Finnegan (32) as the primary setup man. The relief corps is rounded out by Matt Barnes, Dylan Floro, Tanner Rainey, Patrick Corbin, Joe LaSorsa, and Derek Law.

While the Expos will begin the season on the road, the anticipation for the team’s home opener at Olympic Stadium remains high. Montreal fans, starved for baseball since the franchise’s departure in 2004, will finally see the return of their club on April 1 against the Pirates.

“I’ve heard so much about the fanbase here,” said CJ Abrams, one of the young cornerstones of the roster. “We know what this means to the city, and that’s motivation in itself. We’re playing for something bigger than just ourselves.”

For many players, Montreal represents a fresh start not just for the franchise, but for their own careers. A mix of high-effort veterans and young talent will define the team’s early identity, and while success won’t come overnight, the process of building something sustainable starts now.

“It’s a long season,” said Bergeron. “We’ll have ups and downs, but what’s important is that we keep moving forward.”

The journey begins in Cincinnati. The Expos are back.

01-31-2025, 05:47 PM	#3
MontrealExpos Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Jan 2025 Posts: 27	The AthleticMarch 27, 2024 By Ethan McAllister Montreal Expos Set to Open 2024 Season in Cincinnati MONTREAL – It has been a long road back, but on Thursday, March 28, Major League Baseball returns to Montreal as the Expos travel to Great American Ball Park to take on the Cincinnati Reds for Opening Day. With the excitement of a new era and the reality of a rebuild ahead, this season will be about finding an identity and laying a foundation for the future. For General Manager Fred Bergeron, 2024 is a year of evaluation. The roster, a mix of veterans and younger talent, reflects that mindset. While expectations are tempered, the goal remains to establish a culture and assess which players fit the long-term vision. “We’re looking at this season as a chance to set the tone,” Bergeron said. “This isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about building something sustainable. We want to be competitive, we want to improve, and we want to identify players who will help us get to where we want to be.” The Expos' Opening Day lineup will feature Lane Thomas (RF), Jesse Winker (DH), Eddie Rosario (LF), Joey Gallo (1B), Keibert Ruiz (C), Luis Garcia (2B), Victor Robles (CF), Nick Senzel (3B), and Nasim Nuñez (SS). Notably, Winker and Senzel will be facing their former team in Cincinnati, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the opener. The bench will include Riley Adams (C), CJ Abrams (INF), Juan Yepez (1B/OF), and Dermis Garcia (1B/3B), giving the team a mix of versatility and offensive potential. On the mound, MacKenzie Gore will take the ball as the Opening Day starter, leading a rotation that also includes Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Joan Adon, and Trevor Williams. The bullpen will feature Hunter Harvey (closer), Kyle Finnegan (setup), Matt Barnes, Dylan Floro, Tanner Rainey, Patrick Corbin, Joe LaSorsa, and Derek Law. “Every team I’ve been on has its own personality,” said Eddie Rosario, who will start in left field. “What we have here is a group figuring out what that is. That’s part of what makes this exciting.” Gallo, who signed on to be one of the veteran leaders, emphasized the importance of instilling a strong work culture in the returning franchise. “For a lot of these younger guys, this is an opportunity to establish themselves,” Gallo said. “We’re all professionals, we’re here to work, and we’re here to compete. That’s what matters.” On the mound, MacKenzie Gore (25) will take the ball as the Opening Day starter, leading a rotation that also includes Josiah Gray (26), DJ Herz (23), Joan Adon (25), and Trevor Williams (32). Herz, the lone rookie in the rotation, sees the moment as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. “There’s nothing better than competing alongside a group that’s working to prove itself,” Herz said. “I love the energy here. I love being part of something that’s growing. We’re in this together.” In the bullpen, Hunter Harvey (29) takes over as the team’s closer, with Kyle Finnegan (32) as the primary setup man. The relief corps is rounded out by Matt Barnes, Dylan Floro, Tanner Rainey, Patrick Corbin, Joe LaSorsa, and Derek Law. While the Expos will begin the season on the road, the anticipation for the team’s home opener at Olympic Stadium remains high. Montreal fans, starved for baseball since the franchise’s departure in 2004, will finally see the return of their club on April 1 against the Pirates. “I’ve heard so much about the fanbase here,” said CJ Abrams, one of the young cornerstones of the roster. “We know what this means to the city, and that’s motivation in itself. We’re playing for something bigger than just ourselves.” For many players, Montreal represents a fresh start not just for the franchise, but for their own careers. A mix of high-effort veterans and young talent will define the team’s early identity, and while success won’t come overnight, the process of building something sustainable starts now. “It’s a long season,” said Bergeron. “We’ll have ups and downs, but what’s important is that we keep moving forward.” The journey begins in Cincinnati. The Expos are back.