The 2025 Major League Baseball season will commence with an international flair as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to face off in Tokyo, Japan. This highly anticipated two-game series will unfold on March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, making it the sixth time MLB has kicked off a regular season in Japan.
Featuring star-studded rosters, the Dodgers and Cubs promise to deliver an electrifying performance for the Japanese audience. The Dodgers boast the formidable talents of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs bring their own Japanese stars, Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, to the field. This matchup not only underscores MLB’s commitment to expanding its global footprint but also caters to the growing enthusiasm for baseball in Japan.
Building on International Success
The Dodgers are no strangers to opening their season on foreign soil. In 2024, they took on the San Diego Padres in a historic two-game series in Seoul, South Korea, marking MLB's first season opener in that country. These international series are part of a broader strategy by MLB to cultivate and celebrate the sport’s global appeal.
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed the league’s excitement about the upcoming slate of international games. "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," he said. "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."
Expanding Horizons
The 2024 season will see MLB pushing its boundaries with a series of planned games in various international locations. In addition to the Cubs-Dodgers showdown in Tokyo, the league has scheduled games in Mexico City, featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, and in London, where the New York Mets will take on the Philadelphia Phillies. These initiatives reflect a dedicated effort to bring the excitement of MLB to a global audience.
The international series doesn't stop there. The Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are set to play spring training games in the Dominican Republic, fostering greater connectivity with baseball fans in the Caribbean. The New York Yankees will also take the field for an exhibition game against the Diablos Rojos in Mexico City, further showcasing MLB's dedication to reaching new fans and markets.
Growing the Global Game
MLB’s international series not only highlight the sport's universal appeal but also provide a platform for local stars to shine on the global stage. The presence of Japanese sensations like Ohtani and Suzuki in the upcoming Tokyo series is likely to ignite widespread excitement among Japanese baseball enthusiasts. On the league’s efforts, 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."
These strategic moves come as part of MLB’s broader vision to foster a deeper connection with international fans and cultivate the next generation of baseball devotees around the world. By bringing top-tier professional baseball to locations like Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, MLB is not only expanding its influence but also reinforcing the sport's global roots and rich tradition.
As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, fans all over the world eagerly anticipate the thrill of seeing their favorite teams and players making history on international fields. With a robust lineup of games scheduled across the globe, MLB is set to further solidify its reputation as a world leader in professional sports, captivating audiences far and wide with the timeless allure of baseball.