In a move celebrating baseball’s growing global appeal, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to kick off the 2025 MLB season with a highly anticipated international series in Tokyo, Japan. Fans can look forward to a thrilling two-game series at the iconic Tokyo Dome on March 18-19, marking yet another chapter in MLB’s concerted efforts to globalize America's pastime.
This overseas opener will see star-studded rosters from both teams. The Dodgers, who boast international sensation Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, will face the Cubs, featuring standout players Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. These matchups are expected to generate significant excitement, particularly given the local ties with Ohtani, Yamamoto, Suzuki, and Imanaga, who are all renowned Japanese athletes.
Increasing Global Footprint
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed tremendous enthusiasm for the extended schedule of international games coming in 2024. "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," Manfred said.
The upcoming series in Tokyo will be the sixth time MLB has inaugurated a regular season in Japan, underscoring the strong baseball culture in the country. Manfred acknowledged the positive reception and growing interest in baseball outside North America: "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."
Global Season Openers and More
The Dodgers have already embraced international play extensively, having opened their 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. The trend is not limited to season openers; MLB’s 2024 schedule is peppered with high-profile international matches.
In addition to the Tokyo series, MLB has scheduled games in diverse locations, showcasing a commitment to reach fans worldwide. Mexico City will host the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, while London will see the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies compete. Moreover, spring training will venture into the Dominican Republic, where the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are set to face off.
The international tour de force continues with the New York Yankees, who will play an exhibition game in Mexico City against local favorites, the Diablos Rojos. This level of global engagement is an ambitious step by Major League Baseball, aiming to tap into and grow its international fanbase.
A Broader Vision for Baseball
The MLB's strategy goes beyond merely bringing games to international venues; it aims to celebrate and integrate the diverse baseball cultures 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," added Commissioner Manfred.
These initiatives reflect a broader vision to foster a sense of global community through baseball, ensuring that the sport maintains its relevance and excitement far beyond American borders. The melding of top-tier American talent with local heroes in international settings promises not just competitive games but also moments that celebrate the universal love for baseball.
As MLB continues to innovate and expand its global footprint, the anticipation and excitement leading up to the 2025 season opener in Tokyo exemplify the league's dedication to making baseball a truly international sport. Fans around the world will keep their eyes peeled as these plans unfold, eagerly awaiting the chance to witness America's pastime in their own backyards.