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News

Three Former Keys Named to Opening Day Rosters

Manny Machado, Ryan Mountcastle, and J.C. Escarra Each Named to Opening Day Rosters
By Gus Baylow
March 27, 2026

FREDERICK, MD – As another Major League season began in full on Thursday, three former Keys were named to Opening Day Rosters ahead of the 2026 season including infielders Manny Machado and Ryan Mountcastle and catcher J.C. Escarra. Machado began his 15th season in the big leagues Thursday night after

FREDERICK, MD – As another Major League season began in full on Thursday, three former Keys were named to Opening Day Rosters ahead of the 2026 season including infielders Manny Machado and Ryan Mountcastle and catcher J.C. Escarra.

Machado began his 15th season in the big leagues Thursday night after finishing strong in the World Baseball Classic on March 15. Heading into 2026 with the San Diego Padres, he will close in on 1,900 career games played after appearing in 159 contests last season. He’ll also look to increase his average following back-to-back seasons of him hitting .275 at the dish, all while remaining as the starting third baseman for a younger Padres squad.

Meanwhile, Mountcastle enters his seventh season with Baltimore after playing in just 89 games a season ago. Despite not getting the start on Opening Day, the 2017 Keys alumnus remains in the hunt at first base and will look to get back on track after recording only a .250 average in 89 games.

Following being called up to the New York Yankees Opening Day roster right before the start of last season, Escarra heads into his second season in the Bronx after appearing in 40 games during the 2025 campaign. Additionally, he hit two home runs while driving in 11 RBIs and will serve as the backup catcher for Austin Wells.

Several more Keys alumni have a chance to make an MLB roster once again including reigning MiLB Pitching Prospect of the Year Jonah Tong, who was optioned to the New York Mets Triple-A affiliate Syracuse Mets. Additionally, outfielder Zach Dezenzo will look to get back on the Houston Astros roster after being moved to the 10-day injured list due to a right elbow sprain.

Watch these and more future stars as the Frederick Keys make their return to affiliated baseball next season as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The first home game will take place on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. against the Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees) at the newly renovated Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Single-game tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at Frederickkeys.com.