The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to kick off the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season in a thrilling international series in Tokyo, Japan. This eagerly anticipated clash, scheduled for March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, will not only serve as an exciting opener but also mark the sixth time MLB has commenced a regular season in Japan.
The Dodgers will field a formidable roster that includes Japanese superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Their presence is sure to draw substantial interest from the local fanbase and energize the international audience. Not to be outshone, the Cubs will bring their own Japanese talents to the forefront with Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, promising a captivating spectacle for all baseball enthusiasts.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed immense excitement about MLB's extensive slate of international games in 2024 and beyond, underlining the league's dedication to spreading the passion for baseball worldwide. "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," Manfred noted. "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. 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."
This series in Tokyo is part of MLB's broader strategy to elevate its global presence. The Dodgers unfurled the 2024 season with an international opener by playing the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. This move was hailed as a success, emphasizing MLB’s commitment to engaging with fans across Asia. Such international engagements are proving effective in fostering a sense of connection and excitement for baseball outside North America.
Expanding Horizons: Games in Mexico City and London
Looking ahead to 2024, MLB has an ambitious lineup of international games planned. The Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies will head to Mexico City, adding another dynamic chapter to the league's international stories. Meanwhile, the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies are set to showcase their talents in London, a city that has previously welcomed successful MLB events with open arms.
"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 remarked, reaffirming the league's commitment to global outreach.
Embracing Baseball's Rich Traditions
The engagement doesn't stop there. MLB has also set its sights on the Dominican Republic, a nation synonymous with baseball tradition. The Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are scheduled to play spring training games in Santo Domingo, a move anticipated to be a centerpiece event for local fans who live and breathe the sport.
Further enhancing the Latin American connection, the New York Yankees will play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, providing a unique opportunity for Mexican fans to witness one of baseball's most storied franchises in action.
These international fixtures are more than just games; they are a testament to MLB's strategic vision of expanding its footprint and bringing the sport closer to fans around the world. The excitement and anticipation surrounding these matches underscore the universal language of baseball and its power to bridge cultures.
The 2025 season opener between the Dodgers and the Cubs at the Tokyo Dome promises to be a memorable occasion, not just for the thrilling on-field action, but for what it represents—a celebration of baseball's universal appeal and MLB's unwavering commitment to global expansion.