MLB Reveals 2025 Regular-Season Schedule with Opening Series in Tokyo
Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially released the 2025 regular-season schedule, unveiling it on the final day of the 2024 All-Star break. Baseball fans can now view each team’s individual schedule on their respective official websites.
The 2025 season will commence with an international flair as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs head to Japan for the opening games. Set to be held at the iconic Tokyo Dome on March 18-19, this series marks MLB's first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo. The Dodgers-Cubs faceoff is highly anticipated, especially with star players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto representing the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki suiting up for the Cubs.
Following the Tokyo series, the traditional Opening Day will take place on Thursday, March 27, signaling the start of the domestic season. Remarkably, this date will go down in history as the earliest traditional Opening Day ever in baseball. Fans can look forward to all 30 teams taking the field, although only four divisional matchups will occur on this notable day.
The Oakland Athletics are slated to kick off their season with a four-game series in Seattle. Additionally, the Athletics will make their first-ever appearance in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, as they begin a three-game series against the Cubs. This unique twist adds another layer of excitement to the early 2025 season.
Though the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs is the only international series on the 2025 schedule, MLB had initially hoped to stage games in Paris. Unfortunately, those plans did not materialize.
Rivalry Weekend Highlights
One of the most thrilling segments of the season is set for May 16-18, where fans can revel in "Rivalry Weekend." This special event will spotlight 11 series featuring division rivals and four additional series focused on geographic rivalries. In a twist from the usual format, some interleague rivals will compete in six games instead of the customary four, promising intense matchups and high stakes.
Mid-Season Festivities in Atlanta
The mid-season All-Star break will bring a multitude of events to Truist Park in Atlanta. The 95th All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, accompanied by the Futures Game on July 12. The 2025 draft will start on July 13, providing teams with the opportunity to scout and select promising talent. Additionally, the Home Run Derby, a fan favorite, will thrill crowds on July 14.
Season's Conclusion and Postseason
The regular season will draw to a close with a full slate of games as all 30 teams take the field on Sunday, September 28. The final day promises nail-biting action with eight divisional matchups, setting the stage for the postseason. The quest for the World Series title will begin shortly after, with the postseason commencing on Tuesday, September 30.
As MLB fans mark their calendars and eagerly await the 2025 season, the unveiled schedule promises a blend of historic events, fierce rivalries, and the timeless thrill of baseball. From the international kick-off in Tokyo to the earliest Opening Day and the much-anticipated "Rivalry Weekend," the upcoming season guarantees memorable moments and high-octane action.