The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to kick off the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season with an international flair, as the two iconic franchises will open with a series in Tokyo, Japan. The two-game series is slated to take place on March 18-19 at the renowned Tokyo Dome, a venue that has previously hosted several MLB opening series.
A Stellar Lineup in Tokyo
Fans in Japan are in for a treat with this opening series, as it includes some of the biggest stars of the sport. The Dodgers' roster features Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, two players who have made significant impacts both in the MLB and international play. On the Cubs' side, fans will get to see Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, adding to the excitement of the series.
This marks a continuation of MLB's initiative to globalize the game and bring the sport to international audiences. The Dodgers previously opened their 2024 season overseas with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea, further emphasizing MLB's strategy to promote baseball beyond American borders.
MLB's Global Expansion
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his optimism and excitement about the international series and the broader plan for MLB's global engagement. "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," Manfred stated. "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."
In addition to the Tokyo series, MLB has planned several other international games. In Mexico City, fans can look forward to a series featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies. London will host games featuring the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. Furthermore, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are set to play spring training games in the Dominican Republic.
Not to be left out, the New York Yankees will play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, further solidifying MLB's commitment to international exposure and growth.
Excitement and Anticipation
"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," Commissioner Manfred added. This sentiment encapsulates MLB’s broader vision of reaching baseball enthusiasts around the globe and fostering a deeper connection between the sport and its international fanbase.
The forthcoming series in Tokyo will mark the sixth occasion that MLB has opened a regular season in Japan, underscoring the historic and ongoing relationship between the league and Japanese baseball enthusiasts. Past series have proven immensely popular, drawing significant crowds and media attention, and there's every reason to believe that the 2025 opener will be met with the same level of enthusiasm.
As MLB continues to break new ground with its international endeavors, the importance of these initiatives cannot be overstated. They not only showcase the sport's premier talent but also help to cultivate a broader, more diverse audience. The growing enthusiasm across different countries is a testament to baseball's universal appeal and its potential to thrive on a global stage.
With stars like Ohtani, Yamamoto, Suzuki, and Imanaga leading the charge, the 2025 season opener in Tokyo promises to be a memorable start to another thrilling MLB season. Baseball fans worldwide will be eagerly watching, as MLB continues to expand its horizons and celebrate the sport's rich tradition and bright future across the globe.