SF Giants ace Logan Webb can overcome career demons vs. Yankees on Opening Night

The SF Giants will take on the New York Yankees tonight and ace Logan Webb has a chance to exorcise some demons against the Bronx Bombers. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has given him some issues in particular.

In three career starts against the Yankees, Webb has a 1-2 record with a 5.50 ERA in 18 innings pitched. This will not be his first time taking the ball against the pinstripes on Opening Day. Back in 2023, Webb faced the Yankees in New York for the regular season opener and gave up four earned runs in six innings of work.

Webb has a chance at redempton against the Yankees tonight

Judge in particular has given Webb issues in his career. He has faced the three-time American League MVP nine times in his career and the mighty Judge has three hits, including two home runs and a double, while Webb has struck him out three times.

Webb and Judge were just teammates on Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Webb pitched really well in his two starts so he will be looking to build upon that and carry his performance over into the regular season.

This does feel like it could be a breakout season for Webb. He has been such a consistent pitcher since 2021 that it is easy to take him for granted, but maybe 2026 is the year he takes the leap from "really good pitcher" to National League Cy Young Award winner and finally gets viewed in the same way as pitchers like Paul Skenes or Tarik Skubal.

While Webb certainly wouldn't mind the personal accolades, he is more focused on postseason success. He hasn't been to the playoffs since 2021 when he had two masterful starts against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 and Game 5 of the National League Division Series.

Getting a taste of what a playoff atmosphere is like during the World Baseball Classic could be exactly what he needs as he tries to lead the Giants back to the playoffs after so many years of mediocrity.

Maybe this Opening Night start can really set the tone for both Webb and the Giants this season. It is only one start, but the fact that it is such a high-profile game against the Yankees on Netflix makes it the perfect opportunity for the Giants to let everyone know that 2026 is not going to be another year of .500 baseball.

Webb will take the ball looking to set that tone and can also get some redemption against a team that has given him some problems in the past in his fifth consecutive Opening Day start.