Opening the 2025 MLB Season in Tokyo
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to make history as they open the 2025 MLB season with an international series in Tokyo, Japan. Scheduled for March 18-19, the two-game series will be held at the iconic Tokyo Dome, showcasing some of the biggest names in baseball on an international stage.
Both teams boast impressive rosters filled with star talent. The Dodgers, featuring fan favorites Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, will bring their power-packed lineup to Tokyo. Not to be outdone, the Cubs will present a formidable challenge with their own stars, including Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga.
This international series marks a continuing trend for Major League Baseball, as the league endeavors to expand its global reach. The Dodgers have already had a taste of international play, having opened the 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. This upcoming match in Tokyo will be the sixth time MLB has opened a regular season in Japan, further cementing the league's commitment to its international fanbase.
"Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," remarked Commissioner Rob Manfred. His enthusiasm reflects the league’s broader strategy of fostering global enthusiasm for baseball.
In addition to the Tokyo series, MLB has planned a variety of other international games. Mexico City will host games featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, while London will witness the New York Mets take on the Philadelphia Phillies. Moreover, spring training games are scheduled between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox in the Dominican Republic, and the New York Yankees plan to play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos.
Manfred elaborated on the league's international ambitions, saying, "Our recent efforts have produced strong enthusiasm around the globe, and we look forward to building on that foundation with returns to Mexico City and London, while also opening the season in Korea for the first time. In addition, we can't wait to celebrate the tradition of the sport in the Dominican Republic with our visit to Santo Domingo next March."
The push for international series emphasizes MLB's aspiration to make baseball a truly global sport. These games provide opportunities for fans worldwide to witness the sport's top talents firsthand. Manfred added, "We are thrilled that our fans across four different countries outside the United States and Canada will have the opportunity to see the game's stars."
As MLB continues to schedule games beyond its traditional borders, the sport's international footprint grows, bringing the excitement of Major League Baseball to new audiences. These initiatives not only promote baseball globally but also honor and celebrate the rich traditions of the sport in diverse regions.
The 2025 season opener in Tokyo promises to be a spectacular event, further demonstrating the global appeal and reach of Major League Baseball. Fans eagerly await the clash of the Dodgers and the Cubs, two storied franchises with rich histories and passionate followings. The games will undoubtedly serve as a thrilling start to what promises to be an exciting season of baseball.