Major League Baseball (MLB) enthusiasts received a tantalizing glimpse of the future as the league unveiled its 2025 regular-season schedule. The announcement, which coincided with the final day of the 2024 All-Star break, promises a season packed with excitement, international flair, and historic firsts.
Starting the season with a global touch, the 2025 campaign kicks off overseas at the iconic Tokyo Dome on March 18-19. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will face off in these opening games, marking MLB's first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners initiated the 2019 season there. This series will be a showcase of international talent, featuring Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers and Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs.
Returning to the United States, the traditional Opening Day is slated for Thursday, March 27. In a historic twist, this will be the earliest traditional Opening Day in baseball history, with all 30 teams scheduled to take the field. Fans can look forward to a day brimming with action as the season unfolds.
Several key matchups are poised to set an electrifying tone for the season. Only four divisional matchups will occur on Opening Day, offering a unique twist on the schedule. The Athletics begin their journey with a four-game series in Seattle, followed by a momentous first-ever game in Sacramento on March 31 when they face the Cubs in a three-game series.
Unfortunately, fans hoping for a more extensive international slate will be disappointed. Although MLB initially hoped to host games in Paris, those plans fell through, leaving the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs as the sole international event on the 2025 schedule.
May promises to be an exhilarating month, highlighted by "Rivalry Weekend" from May 16-18. This weekend will be a medley of high-stakes encounters, featuring 11 divisional rivalries and four geographic rivalries. Some interleague rivals, in an intriguing departure from the norm, will face off in six games instead of the customary four, adding an extra layer of competition and intrigue to the schedule.
As summer heats up, the spotlight will turn to the 95th All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15. The festivities begin on July 12 with the Futures Game, followed by the 2025 Draft starting on July 13, and the always-anticipated Home Run Derby on July 14. This mid-summer classic promises to be a spectacle, showcasing the brightest talents in the league.
The end of the regular season is set for Sunday, September 28, where fans will witness all 30 teams in action. The final day's schedule includes eight divisional matchups, ensuring a thrilling finish as teams jostle for postseason positions. The playoffs are scheduled to commence on Tuesday, September 30, bringing the promise of high-stakes competition and unforgettable moments.
For those looking to delve into the specifics of their favorite team's journey, each team's individual schedule is now accessible on their official websites. The 2025 MLB season, with its blend of international games, historic firsts, and fierce rivalries, is primed to deliver months of compelling baseball. Fans across the globe can look forward to a year where the sport's finest traditions and modern innovations converge, guaranteeing a season to remember.