The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to kick off the 2025 MLB season with a grand international spectacle in Tokyo, Japan. The two-game series, scheduled for March 18-19, will be held at the iconic Tokyo Dome, serving as the sixth time that Major League Baseball has opened its regular season in Japan.
This high-profile event showcases MLB's continued commitment to expanding its global reach. In terms of star power, the Dodgers' roster boasts Japanese sensations Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs will feature Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, ensuring local fans have plenty of homegrown talent to cheer for.
MLB's Expanding International Footprint
The Tokyo series is just one part of MLB's ambitious international slate for the upcoming seasons. Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his excitement, noting, "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024.”
MLB's international agenda doesn't stop in Tokyo. The league has also arranged additional games in Mexico City, where the Houston Astros will face the Colorado Rockies, and in London, featuring a matchup between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. Furthermore, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are scheduled to play spring training games in the Dominican Republic, adding another layer to MLB's global outreach. Manfred 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."
Historic Moments and Beyond
The Dodgers are no strangers to opening the season on foreign soil. In 2024, they launched their campaign with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea, marking the first time MLB opened its season there. This history of initiating the season internationally underscores MLB’s strategy to grow its brand and connect with a broader audience.
Looking ahead, MLB's focus on international games highlights the sport's evolving landscape. "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," said Manfred. The New York Yankees will also play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, further cementing MLB's intent to reach new markets and diversify its fan base.
Local Heroes on a Global Stage
For Japanese fans, the Tokyo series will be a special occasion to witness their national heroes play on home turf. Shohei Ohtani, a two-way sensation, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are prominent figures in Japan and have significantly contributed to MLB's popularity there. The same can be said for Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, whose participation will undoubtedly draw a massive home crowd in Tokyo.
This strategy of leveraging international talent to boost local engagement aligns well with MLB's overall objective of making baseball a global sport. As the games in Japan approach, anticipation will undoubtedly build, not just among Japanese fans but among baseball enthusiasts worldwide, eager to see how their favorite sport is embraced across cultures.
MLB’s international vision reflects a forward-thinking approach to sports administration. The series in Tokyo, along with planned games in various international locations, is more than just an outreach effort—it’s a celebration of baseball’s global appeal. As Commissioner Manfred and MLB continue to look for ways to grow the sport, the upcoming series in Tokyo is set to be a memorable event etched in the chapter of baseball history, precisely where it belongs—on the world stage.