Dodgers and Cubs to Open 2025 Season in Tokyo
Major League Baseball (MLB) is continuing its commitment to global outreach with an exciting announcement: the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will kick off the 2025 season with an international series in Tokyo, Japan. This highly anticipated two-game series is slated for March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, marking another milestone in MLB's quest to expand the sport's global footprint.
The Dodgers' roster is set to bring a touch of homecoming for Japanese fans with the inclusion of stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Ohtani, a dual-threat player renowned for his prowess both on the mound and at the plate, and Yamamoto, a standout pitcher, will undoubtedly draw significant local interest. On the Cubs' side, Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga are expected to garner similar enthusiasm, ensuring that Tokyo's baseball aficionados are treated to a top-tier display of talent and excitement.
This Tokyo series will be the sixth occasion that MLB has chosen Japan as the venue for its Opening Day festivities, further solidifying the league's connection to the country. The decision is part of a broader strategy by MLB to engage with international audiences. Reflecting on this extensive slate of international games, Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed the league’s enthusiasm: "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024." His sentiments echo MLB's ongoing efforts to cultivate a global fanbase and bring the sport to new and diverse markets.
In addition to the Tokyo showdown, MLB's international itinerary includes games in Mexico City and London in 2024. Mexico City will host a series featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies will clash in London, further illustrating MLB's commitment to increasing the sport's visibility worldwide. "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 elaborated.
Another unique highlight from the 2024 season will be spring training games in the Dominican Republic, featuring the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox. This initiative aims to celebrate and honor the deep baseball traditions and talent that have emerged from the Dominican Republic over the years. Furthermore, the New York Yankees will play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, offering an additional treat for Latin American fans.
MLB's strategic global engagements cater to a vision where baseball resonates beyond the traditional markets of the United States and Canada. With each international series, the league continues to bolster its presence, nurturing a new generation of fans and fostering a greater appreciation for the sport. "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, underscoring the league's enthusiasm for connecting with audiences worldwide.
The 2025 Tokyo series promises to be a landmark moment not just for the Dodgers and Cubs but for the global baseball community. As MLB continues to break new ground and extend its reach, fans everywhere can look forward to a future where the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd echo from continent to continent, embodying the universal language of sport.