In an exciting announcement that highlights Major League Baseball's growing international footprint, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will kick off the 2025 season with a landmark series in Tokyo, Japan. This highly anticipated two-game series will be held on March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, bringing together two storied franchises in front of a passionate Japanese fanbase.
The Dodgers' lineup will feature Japanese sensations Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, making the event particularly special for the local crowd. Joining them will be key players from the Cubs, including Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, ensuring that fans will get to see top-tier talent from both teams in action.
A Tradition of International Openers
This Tokyo series marks the sixth time Major League Baseball has opened its regular season in Japan, continuing a tradition that has significantly contributed to baseball's global appeal. Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed the league's enthusiasm for the international slate of games, stating, "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024."
The history of MLB's international openers adds an extra layer of prestige to the event. Just last season, the Dodgers kicked off the 2024 season with another international series, this time against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. These initiatives reflect MLB's commitment to bringing the game to fans worldwide, a sentiment echoed by Manfred. "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," he added.
Global Games Galore
MLB's international calendar is not limited to regular-season openers. Next year promises a smorgasbord of global matchups. The Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies will face off in Mexico City, bringing the MLB experience to fans in Mexico's capital. Across the Atlantic, the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies are scheduled to play in London, a city that has seen burgeoning interest in America's pastime over the past few years.
In addition to these standout fixtures, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox will bring the excitement of spring training to the Dominican Republic. This move will allow MLB to celebrate the rich baseball tradition of the Caribbean nation, providing fans with a rare opportunity to see top-tier teams in a more relaxed setting. Manfred expressed his excitement for this initiative, stating, "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 Borders of Baseball
Another significant highlight on the international calendar is the New York Yankees' exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos. Known for their storied history and passionate fanbase, the Yankees' appearance will undoubtedly be a major draw for baseball enthusiasts in Mexico.
The overarching theme of MLB's international ventures is to provide fans outside North America with the opportunity to witness baseball's biggest stars firsthand. "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," Manfred emphasized.
These international series underscore Major League Baseball's commitment to expanding its global reach. By bringing high-caliber baseball to diverse audiences, MLB continues to break new ground and ignite passion for the sport around the world. As anticipation builds for these upcoming matchups, one thing is clear: the spirit of baseball knows no borders.