MLB Expands International Footprint with Exciting 2025 Season Opener in Tokyo
Major League Baseball continues to expand its global reach, announcing an exciting slate of international games for the upcoming seasons. Among the highlights is the 2025 season opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, set to take place in Tokyo, Japan. Scheduled for March 18-19, the two-game series will be held at the iconic Tokyo Dome.
This will be the sixth time MLB has chosen Japan to kick off its regular season, underscoring the league's commitment to engaging its international fan base. The Dodgers and Cubs both feature star-studded rosters that are sure to captivate fans in Tokyo. The Dodgers' lineup includes Japanese superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs' roster boasts Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, making this a marquee matchup not just for Japanese fans, but for baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
"Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," said Commissioner Rob Manfred, highlighting the league's enthusiasm for taking the game beyond American borders.
The Dodgers are no strangers to international games, having opened the 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. This upcoming series in Tokyo serves as another indicator of MLB's relentless push to cultivate a global following. Manfred expressed confidence in the league’s international engagements, noting, "Our recent efforts have produced strong enthusiasm around the globe, and we look forward to building on that foundation."
Expanding on its global endeavors, MLB has also planned additional games across various international locations. Mexico City will host games featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, while London is set to witness a showdown between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. Furthermore, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox will play spring training games in the Dominican Republic, and the New York Yankees are slated for an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos.
Each scheduled event adds a layer of intrigue and excitement, showcasing MLB's game on an international stage while celebrating the sport's diversity and widespread appeal. "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 added.
MLB’s strategic placement of games worldwide exemplifies the league's effort to celebrate baseball's rich history and tradition in various cultures. With each international series, MLB not only expands its reach but also solidifies its role as a global ambassador for the sport.
As the Dodgers and Cubs prepare to head to Tokyo, fans can anticipate a blend of American baseball excellence and Japanese enthusiasm, promising a memorable start to the 2025 season. This initiative also sets the stage for other franchises to engage with international audiences, enhancing the global footprint of Major League Baseball. While the Tokyo series signifies a pinnacle event, the collective slate of games demonstrates MLB's unwavering commitment to promoting baseball on an unprecedented, international scale.