In a move that demonstrates Major League Baseball's commitment to expanding its global footprint, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to open the 2025 season with an international series in Tokyo, Japan. Scheduled for March 18-19 at the Tokyo Dome, this two-game series marks a significant event for baseball enthusiasts worldwide, particularly given the star-studded rosters of both teams.
Dodgers' and Cubs' Star-Studded Rosters
The Dodgers' lineup includes high-profile names such as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, two players who are sure to draw considerable attention in Japan. Ohtani, a two-way sensation, has been a colossal figure both in the MLB and in his native Japan. Meanwhile, Yamamoto has also made waves, contributing to the Dodgers' reputation as a powerhouse team.
On the other side, the Chicago Cubs boast their own Japanese stars in Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. Suzuki, an outfielder with a potent bat, and Imanaga, known for his pitching prowess, will undoubtedly be major attractions for the Japanese audience.
MLB's Global Initiative
The upcoming series in Tokyo is another landmark in MLB's ongoing efforts to strengthen its global appeal. This will be the sixth time the league has opened a regular season in Japan. Commissioner Rob Manfred has emphasized the importance of these international ventures, stating, "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024."
Beyond Japan, MLB has implemented a robust schedule of international games. The Dodgers themselves are no strangers to beginning their season abroad, having opened the 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. These events are part of a broader strategy to bring the excitement of MLB to fans around the world.
More International Fixtures
Alongside the Tokyo series, MLB has planned additional matches in other key locations. This includes a series in Mexico City featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies. The passionate baseball culture in Mexico is expected to respond enthusiastically to the MLB teams' visit.
Similarly, London is set for another taste of America's pastime with games between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. Previous MLB games in London have generated significant interest, and this upcoming series is anticipated to build on that success.
The Dominican Republic, a nation with a deep-rooted baseball tradition, will also host MLB action. The Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are scheduled for spring training games in Santo Domingo, bringing top-tier baseball to an area that has produced many star players. On top of that, the New York Yankees will play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, further solidifying the league's presence in Latin America.
A Worldwide Celebration of Baseball
Commissioner Manfred summed up MLB's international ambitions succinctly. "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. "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."
Expressing excitement for the multi-national engagement, Manfred added, "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."
As MLB continues to bring baseball to an international audience, the upcoming series between the Dodgers and Cubs in Tokyo exemplifies the league's dedication to fostering a global passion for the sport. With the participation of baseball idols like Ohtani, Yamamoto, Suzuki, and Imanaga, the 2025 season opener promises to be a historic moment not only for the MLB but for fans around the globe.