The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular-season schedule has been unveiled, offering fans a glimpse into an exciting season marked by historic moments and international flavor. Released on the final day of the 2024 All-Star break, each team's individual schedule is now accessible on their respective official websites.
Season Kicks Off in Tokyo
The anticipation for the 2025 season intensifies with MLB’s decision to start overseas. On March 18-19, the Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome, marking MLB's first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season there. This series will showcase prominent talents, including the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the Cubs' Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki. The Japan Series stands out as the only international matchup on the 2025 docket, reaffirming MLB's commitment to global outreach.
A Historic Opening Day
Following the Tokyo Series, the traditional Opening Day is set for Thursday, March 27. This marks the earliest traditional Opening Day in baseball history, with all 30 teams scheduled to play. In a break from recent seasons, only four divisional matchups will occur on this date, promising a diverse and unpredictable start to the year.
The Athletics aim to create new memories with a four-game series kickoff in Seattle. Notably, they will play their first-ever game in Sacramento on March 31 against the Cubs, adding another layer of novelty to their season opener.
Rivalry Weekend
Fans can circle May 16-18 on their calendars for "Rivalry Weekend." This special segment of the season will feature 11 series between division rivals and four series of geographic rivalries, infusing the month of May with intense competition. Some interleague rivals will battle it out over six games instead of the customary four, providing an extended showcase of baseball’s fiercest rivalries.
Midseason Festivities in Atlanta
The 95th All-Star Game headlines a week of midseason festivities at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15. The All-Star break will also include the Futures Game on July 12, the start of the 2025 draft on July 13, and the Home Run Derby on July 14, offering a multifaceted celebration for the sport.
Regular Season Finale
The regular season is set to conclude with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. Intrigue will peak on this final day as eight divisional matchups potentially impact playoff berths and seeding. The postseason is scheduled to commence just two days later, on Tuesday, September 30, ensuring a seamless transition from regular-season drama to the intensity of playoff baseball.
Unrealized International Ambitions
While the Tokyo Series stands as the season’s lone international venture, MLB had initially planned to expand its global presence further with games in Paris. Unfortunately, these plans fell through, depriving European fans of what would have been a historic first for the league.
With a blend of historic firsts, international matchups, and deeply rooted rivalries, the 2025 MLB season promises to captivate fans and etch new memories into the annals of the sport. Whether it's the early start, the global outreach, or the electric Rivalry Weekend, this upcoming season offers a fresh and exhilarating chapter for baseball enthusiasts worldwide.