Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially announced the 2025 regular-season schedule, unveiling it on the final day of the 2024 All-Star break. With anticipation building for the new season, fans can now explore each team's individual schedule on their respective official websites. This early release promises an array of exciting matchups and unique events that will define the upcoming MLB season.
International Start in Tokyo
The 2025 season is set to commence in grand fashion with games overseas at the Tokyo Dome, symbolizing MLB's continued commitment to international outreach and fan engagement. Marking the league's first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo, this highly anticipated series will take place on March 18-19. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will have the honor of playing the opening games.
Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers will headline the Tokyo series, offering fans in Japan a rare opportunity to watch their homegrown talents perform on an international stage. On the opposing side, Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs will also take to the field, adding further excitement to this international showcase. This marks a significant moment for MLB as it continues to strengthen its global presence.
Historic Opening Day
Following the Tokyo series, the traditional Opening Day for all 30 teams is set for Thursday, March 27. This date will go down in history as the earliest traditional Opening Day in baseball history. The slate is packed, ensuring that baseball fans across the nation will have ample reasons to celebrate with every team in action. However, only four divisional matchups will feature on this historic day, pointing to a varied and intriguing start to the season.
The Athletics will kick off their season with a four-game series in Seattle. Excitement continues to build for the team as they prepare to play their first-ever game in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, followed by a three-game series against the Cubs. These initial games set a dynamic tone for the Athletics' 2025 campaign.
Rivalry Weekend and Seasonal Highlights
One of the standout features of the 2025 schedule is "Rivalry Weekend," which is slated for May 16-18. This highly anticipated weekend will spotlight 15 series, including 11 matchups between division rivals and four geographic rivalries. Intriguingly, some interleague rivals will meet in a six-game series instead of the traditional four, ensuring extended battles and heightened stakes.
Truist Park in Atlanta will host the 95th All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15. This event, a staple of the baseball calendar, will be accompanied by the Futures Game on July 12, the 2025 draft beginning on July 13, and the Home Run Derby on July 14. These events offer fans a comprehensive All-Star break experience, filled with opportunities to see baseball's present and future stars.
Season's Final Stretch
The regular season is set to conclude with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. This final day will feature eight divisional matchups, ensuring that the end of the regular season is both competitive and compelling. The race to the postseason is expected to heighten as teams push for their final victories.
The postseason will subsequently commence on Tuesday, September 30, setting the stage for October baseball and the pursuit of the coveted World Series championship. Fans can look forward to a thrilling playoff atmosphere as teams vie for the ultimate prize in the sport.
While the 2025 schedule is rich with exciting events and key matchups, one notable absence is the plan for games in Paris. Initially hoped for by MLB, these plans ultimately fell through, leaving the Tokyo Series as the sole international series on the calendar. Despite this, the season promises to deliver unforgettable baseball experiences both domestically and internationally.
Overall, the unveiling of the 2025 MLB schedule provides a tantalizing glimpse into the forthcoming season, with a blend of historic firsts, international flair, and traditional rivalry clashes. As fans mark their calendars and begin planning their baseball pilgrimages, the excitement for the 2025 season is palpable, promising a captivating year of America's pastime.