The MLB has officially announced the 2025 regular-season schedule, an exciting development revealed on the final day of the 2024 All-Star break. Fans can now access each team's individual schedule on their official websites, offering a glimpse into a season that promises thrilling international games and historic moments.
International Opening in Tokyo
The 2025 season will kick off on an international stage with the Los Angeles Dodgers set to face the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome on March 18-19. This series marks MLB's first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo. The games will feature baseball stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki representing the Cubs.
This event is particularly significant as MLB had initially planned to expand its international footprint with games in Paris, but these plans ultimately didn't materialize. Despite this, the Tokyo series stands as the only international series in the 2025 schedule, highlighting MLB's continued commitment to its global fanbase.
A Historic Opening Day
Following the international kickoff, the traditional Opening Day will commence on Thursday, March 27. This date will be the earliest Opening Day in MLB history, with all 30 teams set to be in action. Notably, there will only be four divisional matchups on this day, an unusual configuration that underscores the league's evolving scheduling strategies.
The Oakland Athletics, in particular, will begin their season with a four-game series in Seattle, later playing their first-ever game in Sacramento on Monday, March 31. They will then face the Cubs in a three-game series starting the same day, offering a packed and exciting start to their campaign.
Notable Events Throughout the Season
The 2025 schedule also includes "Rivalry Weekend," set for May 16-18. This event will feature 11 series involving division rivals and four series of geographic rivalries. In a variation from previous seasons, some interleague rivalries will include six games instead of the usual four, a decision likely aimed at intensifying competition and fan engagement.
Highlighting mid-season excitement, the 95th All-Star Game will be hosted at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15. The All-Star festivities will include the Futures Game on July 12, the draft beginning on July 13, and the much-anticipated Home Run Derby on July 14. These events will showcase rising stars and provide a midseason spectacle for fans across the globe.
Season Finale and Postseason
The regular season will conclude with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. This finale will include eight divisional matchups, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying lead-up to the postseason, which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 30.
The 2025 MLB season is packed with notable events, unique scheduling quirks, and international flair. From the historic early Opening Day to the Tokyo series and the competitive spirit of "Rivalry Weekend," the upcoming season offers plenty of excitement for baseball fans. As each team prepares for this dynamic schedule, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable year in Major League Baseball.