MLB Unveils 2025 Regular Season Schedule with Historic Openers
Major League Baseball (MLB) continues its tradition of international outreach as it announces the 2025 regular-season schedule. The unveiling took place on the last day of the 2024 All-Star break, setting the stage for an exciting season starting with games overseas.
The season kicks off with a marquee matchup at Tokyo Dome on March 18-19, marking MLB's return to Japan for the first time since 2019. Fans worldwide are already buzzing about this opening series featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Two of MLB's biggest stars, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, will shine on this international stage, taking on the Cubs' own talents, Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki.
Back in 2019, the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the season in Tokyo, leaving a lasting impression on Japanese fans. This international opener is anticipated to bring that excitement back, but with an even bigger spotlight given the lineup of star players.
Traditional Opening Day Sets a Record
Just over a week after the international games, all 30 MLB teams will be in action on March 27 for the traditional Opening Day, the earliest in baseball history. While Opening Day normally sees teams clashing within their divisions, this year only four divisional matchups will take place, allowing fans to witness a diverse set of games right out of the gate.
In notable matches, the Athletics will launch their season with a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners. Athletics fans have even more to look forward to as their team will play its first-ever game in Sacramento on March 31, before moving on to face the Cubs in a three-game series.
International Aspirations and Rivalries
While the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs stands out as the only international event in the 2025 calendar, the league had hoped to expand its global footprint even further. Plans to host games in Paris fell through, leaving room for future endeavors to bring baseball to new international fans.
The domestic schedule, however, is teeming with excitement as "Rivalry Weekend" returns from May 16-18. Enthusiasts can look forward to 11 intense division series and four thrilling geographic rivalries. In a twist, some interleague rivals will square off in six games, deviating from the customary four-game face-offs, promising more high-stakes matchups and localized drama.
All-Star Festivities in Atlanta
The mid-point of the season highlights MLB's commitment to showcasing future talent and celebrating current stars. Atlanta's Truist Park will play host to the 95th All-Star Game on July 15, anticipated to be a significant event with participation from top-tier talents across the league. The festivities kick off with the Futures Game on July 12, followed by the draft beginning July 13, and fan-favorite Home Run Derby on July 14. These events promise to bring excitement and a glimpse into baseball’s promising future.
Season Finale and Postseason Setup
As the regular season winds down, all 30 teams will hit the field on September 28, setting up a dramatic finale featuring eight crucial divisional matchups. These games could decide postseason spots, making the final regular season day not only a conclusion but a prelude to the October drama. The postseason will commence right away, starting on Tuesday, September 30, where the battle for the World Series crown will begin in earnest.
The 2025 MLB season promises a blend of historic firsts, classic rivalries, and a global presence, offering something for every baseball fan. With the schedule now live on each team's official website, fans can plan their appointments with America’s pastime, set against the backdrop of historic venues and fierce competition.