The 2025 MLB season is set to commence with an exciting international flair, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will face off in Tokyo, Japan. This two-game series, scheduled for March 18-19, will take place at the iconic Tokyo Dome, marking the sixth time MLB has opened a regular season in Japan.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, featuring Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, will look to make a strong start to the season on international soil. Their opponents, the Chicago Cubs, will field a team that includes Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, adding further intrigue to this cross-continental matchup. The presence of such prominent Japanese players on both rosters is bound to elevate the excitement for local fans, creating a unique spectacle for the MLB's global audience.
This isn't the Dodgers' first overseas opener, having kicked off their 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. These initiatives are part of MLB's broader strategy to internationalize the sport and engage baseball fans worldwide.
Global Engagement
The 2025 Tokyo series is a testament to MLB's commitment to expanding its reach and growing the game's international fan base. Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024." He highlighted the strong global interest generated by recent efforts and emphasized MLB's intention to build on this foundation. "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," he shared.
Expanding Horizons
In addition to the Tokyo series, MLB has planned several other international events. This includes games in Mexico City featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, as well as matchups in London with the New York Mets taking on the Philadelphia Phillies. These series aim to bring Major League Baseball to diverse audiences, providing fans around the world with the opportunity to witness top-tier baseball outside of North America.
The Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are also set to play spring training games in the Dominican Republic, further underscoring MLB's dedication to honoring the sport's rich global heritage. Additionally, the New York Yankees will play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, offering yet another thrilling international fixture.
This widespread international presence provides fans across different countries a direct experience with Major League Baseball. Reflecting on this ambitious agenda, Commissioner Manfred noted, "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." These matches are not only a celebration of baseball’s global appeal but also a strategic move to foster a deeper connection with international communities and stimulate local interest in the sport.
The series in Tokyo, in particular, holds significant promise. MLB's previous ventures in Japan have been met with great enthusiasm, and the return to the Tokyo Dome is anticipated to be a spectacular start to the 2025 season. As the Dodgers and Cubs prepare to showcase their talent on this global stage, fans can look forward to a unique and engaging beginning to the new baseball year.
The upcoming array of international series illustrates MLB's continued evolution into a truly global league. By bringing the sport to new locales and celebrating the game's international stars, MLB is not only broadening its fan base but also solidifying baseball's status as a beloved global pastime.