In an exciting announcement for baseball fans worldwide, Major League Baseball (MLB) has revealed that 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 unfold at the iconic Tokyo Dome on March 18-19, marking a thrilling start to the MLB calendar.
The anticipated match-up will feature an array of star players from both teams. The Dodgers' roster boasts the talents of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs will showcase Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. This selection of elite athletes ensures that fans in Tokyo will witness some of the best talents that MLB has to offer.
The international opening series in Tokyo adds to a growing trend of MLB expanding its global footprint. Reflecting on the broadening international outreach, Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024."
Manfred further elaborated on the league's global strategy: "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."
The Dodgers are no strangers to international competition, having opened the 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. This upcoming series in Tokyo marks the sixth occasion that MLB has launched its regular season in Japan, continuing a tradition that underscores the sport's rich international appeal.
MLB's international itinerary extends beyond Tokyo. The league has scheduled additional games in Mexico City, with matchups featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies. Mexico City will also serve as the venue for an exhibition game where the New York Yankees will face the Diablos Rojos, offering fans south of the border an opportunity to witness top-tier baseball.
Across the Atlantic, London will play host to games featuring the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. These events are part of MLB's strategic efforts to entrench and expand the game’s presence in Europe, following successful prior engagements in the UK.
Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are set to play spring training games in the Dominican Republic. This initiative aims to celebrate and strengthen the deep ties between MLB and a region that has historically contributed a wealth of talent to the league.
Commissioner Manfred emphasized the significance of these international commitments by saying, "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." These initiatives highlight MLB's dedication to its global fanbase and its desire to foster a deeper connection with fans around the world.
As baseball continues to grow internationally, these carefully orchestrated events will not only delight existing fans but also attract new ones, showcasing the sport's universal appeal. The upcoming series in Tokyo and other international games underscore MLB's commitment to engaging audiences worldwide and celebrating the global nature of the sport.