Dodgers and Cubs to Kick Off 2025 MLB Season in Tokyo
Major League Baseball (MLB) continues to spread its global footprint, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs set to open the 2025 season with an international series in Tokyo, Japan. The two iconic franchises will face off in a much-anticipated two-game set on March 18-19 at the renowned Tokyo Dome.
The Dodgers, bolstered by international stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, will look to leverage their talent and experience in front of an enthusiastic Japanese crowd. The Cubs, featuring notable players such as Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, will provide a formidable challenge in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
“Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," said Commissioner Rob Manfred. "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."
The Dodgers are no strangers to international competition, having opened their 2024 season overseas with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. This upcoming series in Tokyo marks the sixth time MLB has opened a regular season in Japan, underscoring the league's commitment to growing the sport's global presence.
These international games are just one aspect of MLB's broader strategy to engage baseball fans worldwide. "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 added. “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 an array of international games planned for 2024, designed to capture the imaginations of baseball fans far and wide. Mexico City will host games featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, while London will welcome 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, and the New York Yankees will participate in an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos.
This direction by MLB signifies not only the league’s intent to expand its international footprint but also its recognition of the game's universal appeal. With each new international series, MLB continues to blend the rich traditions of baseball with the vibrant cultures of its host nations, creating unforgettable experiences for fans and players alike.
The forthcoming Dodgers-Cubs series in Tokyo is poised to be a spectacular event, offering a unique blend of high-caliber baseball and cultural exchange. With stars like Ohtani and Suzuki taking the field, the games are expected to draw large crowds and significant global viewership.
As MLB continues to embrace its role as a global ambassador for the sport, the excitement surrounding these international series reflects baseball's enduring and expanding popularity. Whether it’s in Tokyo, Mexico City, London, or Santo Domingo, MLB's commitment to bringing the game to a global audience is clear, promising a bright future for baseball enthusiasts around the world.