In an exciting development for Major League Baseball fans worldwide, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will kick off the 2025 season with an international series in Tokyo, Japan. The two-game series will be held on March 18-19 at the prestigious Tokyo Dome, showcasing some of the league's top talent on a global stage.
Historic Matchup in Tokyo
This highly anticipated series signifies MLB's sixth regular-season opener in Japan, underlining the sport's growing international appeal. The Dodgers' roster will feature Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs will field Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, adding a special touch of local excitement for Japanese fans.
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his enthusiasm for the series, noting, "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024."
Global Reach of MLB
The Tokyo games are just one part of MLB's expanded international schedule aimed at broadening the sport's reach. In addition to the series in Japan, MLB has planned games in Mexico City featuring the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies, as well as games in London where the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies will face off.
"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," Manfred added.
Past and Future Series
The Dodgers are no strangers to opening the season overseas. They began the 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea, setting the stage for their upcoming appearance in Tokyo.
MLB's commitment to international expansion is also evident in the planned spring training games featuring the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox in the Dominican Republic and an exhibition game between the New York Yankees and the Diablos Rojos in Mexico City.
Excitement Across Four Continents
Manfred conveyed MLB's enthusiasm, stating, "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 ambitious schedule highlights MLB's strategy to nurture and grow baseball's fan base across different continents. By offering games in diverse locations, the league aims to deepen its connection with international audiences and provide unique experiences for fans worldwide.
The series in Tokyo, featuring prominent Japanese players, will undoubtedly captivate the local fan base and enhance MLB's presence in the region. As baseball continues to gain traction globally, these international games underscore the sport's universal appeal and the league's dedication to reaching new heights in its global journey.