The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to kick off the 2025 Major League Baseball season with an exciting international series in Tokyo, Japan. Scheduled for March 18-19, the two-game slate will take place at the iconic Tokyo Dome, offering a thrilling start to the baseball year in the Land of the Rising Sun.
This marks the sixth time MLB has opened its regular season in Japan, underscoring the league's commitment to growing the sport’s global footprint. With the Dodgers fielding star players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the Cubs featuring Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, Japanese fans are in for a treat, witnessing some of their homegrown talents performing on an international stage.
Dodgers' Continued International Presence
The 2025 opener continues the Dodgers' recent trend of international appearances. They began their 2024 season overseas as well, facing the San Diego Padres in a two-game series held in Seoul, South Korea. This consistent international presence highlights their global appeal and the league's strategic efforts to popularize baseball beyond traditional North American markets.
Commissioner Rob Manfred's Vision
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his enthusiasm for the diverse lineup of international games scheduled for the near future. "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," he stated. By scheduling games across several continents, Manfred aims to cultivate a more substantial international fanbase, capitalizing on the sport’s growing popularity worldwide.
He added, "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."
Expanding Global Reach
In addition to the Tokyo series, MLB has planned several other international events. Notably, games are set to take place in Mexico City, featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies. Additionally, London will host matchups between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. This marks another effort by MLB to tap into the European market, following successful series in previous years.
Fans in the Dominican Republic will also have reason to celebrate as the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are slated to play spring training games there. This event will honor the rich baseball tradition in the Dominican Republic, one of the sport’s most prolific talent pools. Moreover, the New York Yankees will add to the excitement with an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, offering Mexican fans a closer look at one of MLB’s most storied franchises.
Rob Manfred encapsulated the excitement by saying, "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." This statement underscores MLB’s intention to continue its global outreach efforts, ensuring that baseball retains its status as an internationally beloved sport.
The Tokyo series between the Dodgers and the Cubs promises to be an unforgettable event, not just for fans in Japan, but for the entire baseball world. By showcasing elite talent and squarely placing the sport on an international platform, MLB continues to build bridges between cultures, fostering a global community united by the love of baseball.