The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to open the 2025 MLB season with a unique twist, as the two storied franchises will face off in an international series held in Tokyo, Japan. The two-game series, scheduled for March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, promises to be a spectacle for baseball fans worldwide.
This international showdown marks yet another chapter in Major League Baseball's ongoing efforts to globalize the sport. As Commissioner Rob Manfred put it, "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024."
Star-Studded Rosters
The Dodgers and Cubs will bring star power to Tokyo, with rosters that include some of the finest talents in the game. On the Dodgers' side, fans can look forward to watching Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, two players who have already made substantial impacts in both the American and National Leagues. The Cubs, not to be outdone, will showcase Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, adding an extra layer of excitement to the international series. These players, with their outstanding skills and international appeal, are sure to draw significant attention to the event.
Tokyo's Baseball Tradition
This upcoming series in Tokyo will be the sixth time MLB has opened a regular season in Japan. It's a testament to the country's rich baseball culture and the enduring popularity of the sport among Japanese fans. The Tokyo Dome, an iconic venue in the baseball world, will once again host top-tier Major League action, continuing a legacy of memorable games and historic moments.
"Our recent efforts have produced strong enthusiasm around the globe," Manfred stated, "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."
A Broader Global Initiative
The Tokyo series is just one part of MLB's broader strategy to bring baseball to a global audience. In 2024, MLB has scheduled additional international games, including matchups in Mexico City featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies and games in London with the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. These games are part of MLB’s efforts to tap into new markets and expand the sport’s reach.
MLB's commitment to international games extends beyond regular-season matchups. 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 play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos. These events highlight MLB’s dedication to celebrating baseball's tradition and fostering its growth in regions with passionate fan bases.
Building a Global Fanbase
The MLB's international endeavors are not just about playing games in foreign locales. They are about building a global fanbase and bringing the sport to fans who might not otherwise have the chance to experience Major League Baseball up close. "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 expressed. This sentiment underscores MLB's mission to make baseball a truly global sport.
The upcoming series between the Dodgers and Cubs in Tokyo is more than just a regular-season opener; it's a celebration of baseball's international appeal and a demonstration of MLB's commitment to growing the game worldwide. As anticipation builds for this historic event, fans from Tokyo to Chicago and Los Angeles can look forward to a thrilling display of baseball excellence, global camaraderie, and the unique excitement that only Major League Baseball can deliver.