The landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2025 is set to bring both traditional spectacles and groundbreaking firsts. Unveiled on the final day of the 2024 All-Star break, the upcoming season's schedule promises to be an exciting journey for baseball fans worldwide.
A Global Opening
Making a grand international return, MLB will launch the 2025 regular season overseas with a pair of games on March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome. This marks the league's first sojourn to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will have the honor of playing these pivotal games, highlighting the global appeal of America's pastime.
The series will notably feature Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs. This matchup not only underscores the international reach of MLB but also celebrates some of Japan's finest exports to the sport.
Launching the Regular Season
The traditional Opening Day in North America is set for Thursday, March 27, with all 30 teams in action. Notably, this will be the earliest Opening Day in the annals of Major League Baseball. Among the myriad matchups, there will be only four divisional contests, adding a unique twist to the season’s commencement.
The Oakland Athletics will start their 2025 campaign with a four-game series in Seattle before making history once again. On March 31, they will play their first-ever game in Sacramento, also starting a three-game series against the Cubs. This scheduling choice underscores MLB's commitment to expanding its geographical footprint within the United States.
Special Events and Highlights
One of the marquee highlights of the 2025 schedule is "Rivalry Weekend," set for May 16-18. This special weekend will feature 11 series between division rivals, as well as four geographic rivalries. Additionally, some interleague clashes will see teams facing off in six games instead of the customary four, enhancing the competitive fervor of these matchups.
The mid-season festivities will be anchored by the 95th All-Star Game, hosted by Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15. This celebration of baseball’s finest will be prefaced by the Futures Game on July 12, the 2025 draft starting July 13, and the fan-favorite, Home Run Derby, slotted for July 14.
The Road Ahead
The regular season will culminate in a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, September 28, with all 30 teams in action. The season’s final day promises high stakes and intense competition, featuring eight critical divisional matchups. Just two days later, on September 30, the postseason will commence, ushering in the most exciting phase of the MLB calendar.
Despite previous hopes for an international series in Paris, those plans were shelved, making the Tokyo series between the Dodgers and Cubs the only international encounter on the docket for 2025. This decision underlines the logistical complexities and high operational demands of organizing international games.
The 2025 MLB schedule, available on each team's official website, exemplifies a blend of tradition, innovation, and global outreach. From opening games in Tokyo to the earliest Opening Day in history and a weekend devoted to rivalries, the season promises to capture imaginations and deliver unmissable moments.
As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to a year where baseball will not only remain a cherished American pastime but also continue to assert its presence and influence around the globe.