Dodgers and Cubs to Open 2025 Season with Tokyo Series
Major League Baseball continues to expand its global footprint with an exciting announcement that the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will kick off the 2025 season in Tokyo, Japan. The international series, scheduled for March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, marks the sixth occasion in which MLB has commenced its regular season in Japan.
The Dodgers and the Cubs are both bringing star-studded rosters to this anticipated showcase. Fans can look forward to seeing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto donning the Dodgers' blue and white, while Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga will represent the Cubs. This international opener promises to be a thrilling encounter, bringing some of the best talents in baseball to a global stage.
Speaking about the league's forward-looking international strategy, Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his enthusiasm. "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024. 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 continued, "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."
The Dodgers are no strangers to opening their season abroad. Just last year, they began the 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. This continued commitment to global engagement is a part of MLB's broader strategy of promoting baseball worldwide and connecting with international fanbases.
Beyond the Tokyo series, MLB has an impressive lineup of international games on deck. The Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies are slated for matchups in Mexico City, while the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies will cross the Atlantic to face off in London. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are set to bring spring training excitement to the Dominican Republic. In a nod to one of baseball's hottest markets, the New York Yankees will play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos.
Commissioner Manfred highlighted the reach and appeal of these international games, saying, "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." The league's efforts reflect a commitment to not only expanding the sport's global footprint but also celebrating the rich baseball heritage embedded in these diverse locales.
The series in Tokyo is not merely a sports event; it is a cultural exchange, an opportunity to strengthen ties between MLB and Japanese baseball fans. Japan has a storied baseball history, from Babe Ruth’s tour in the 1930s to the rise of Japanese stars in MLB over recent decades. Bringing high-stakes regular-season games to Tokyo is both a nod to this legacy and an exciting chapter in the ever-evolving story of baseball.
With MLB's announcement, the anticipation is palpable. Fans from Tokyo to Chicago to Los Angeles are undoubtedly marking their calendars. This initiative underscores baseball's universal language, one that transcends borders and unites fans in their shared love for the game. The 2025 season opener at the Tokyo Dome is set to be a landmark event, showcasing Major League Baseball's ongoing commitment to global outreach and inclusivity in sport.