The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is set to kick off with an international flair as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will open their campaigns with a two-game series in Tokyo, Japan. Slated for March 18-19, the games will be held at the iconic Tokyo Dome, marking the sixth time MLB has opened a regular season in Japan.
The Dodgers are no strangers to starting their season overseas, having opened the 2024 season in Seoul, South Korea, with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres. This upcoming trip to Tokyo promises to be an exciting event, especially for the local fans who will have the opportunity to see some of Japan's finest exports in action. The Dodgers' roster boasts Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs' lineup features Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga.
MLB's Growing Global Footprint
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his enthusiasm for MLB's continued global outreach. "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," he stated. Manfred highlighted the success of recent international efforts and the strong enthusiasm they have generated worldwide. The league is eager to build on this foundation with planned returns to Mexico City and London, and an inaugural season opener in Korea.
In addition to the Tokyo series, MLB has ambitious plans for international games in various locations. The Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies are set to play in Mexico City, while the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies will take the field in London. These matchups not only aim to expand MLB's global reach but also to celebrate the sport's international appeal.
A Celebration of Baseball Tradition
The international series in Tokyo is more than just a couple of games on the schedule. It is an opportunity to celebrate baseball's deep-rooted tradition in Japan. Japanese fans have long been passionate about baseball, and the presence of star players like Ohtani, Yamamoto, Suzuki, and Imanaga adds a special significance to the event. The Tokyo Dome, with its rich history of hosting major baseball events, provides a fitting venue for this celebration.
Commissioner Manfred also emphasized MLB's commitment to celebrating baseball traditions in other regions. "We can't wait to celebrate the tradition of the sport in the Dominican Republic with our visit to Santo Domingo next March," he remarked. The Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are scheduled to play spring training games in the Dominican Republic, reinforcing MLB's dedication to honoring the sport's historical and cultural impact in various countries.
The Excitement Continues
Beyond the regular season games, the New York Yankees will bring additional excitement to fans in Mexico City when they play an exhibition game against the Diablos Rojos. These international fixtures are part of MLB's broader strategy to connect with global audiences and showcase the sport's top talents on a world stage.
Commissioner Manfred's comments reflect the league's broader vision. "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 said. The diversity of locations and the high-profile nature of these games underline MLB's commitment to its international growth and development.
Engaging Fans Worldwide
As MLB continues to expand its global presence, the league is also focusing on enhancing fan engagement in different countries. "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 noted. This sentiment captures the essence of MLB's international initiatives, which aim to bring the excitement of the game to new and existing fans around the world.
The 2025 season opener in Tokyo is set to be a landmark event, not just for the Dodgers and Cubs, but for MLB's ongoing efforts to internationalize the sport. As the league brings its stars to the global stage, fans from Tokyo to Santo Domingo to Mexico City will have the chance to witness the magic of Major League Baseball firsthand.