Major League Baseball (MLB) has once again stirred excitement among fans with the unveiling of the 2025 regular-season schedule. Announced on the final day of the 2024 All-Star break, this schedule promises a blend of traditional matchups, thrilling rivalries, and a historic international opener.
Overseas Opening Act
The 2025 season will commence with an international flair, featuring games at the Tokyo Dome on March 18-19. These highly anticipated matchups will see the Los Angeles Dodgers face off against the Chicago Cubs. This marks MLB's return to Japan for the first time since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo. Fans will be particularly eager to watch the talents of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, alongside Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs, as they showcase their skills on the global stage.
Historic Opening Day
The traditional Opening Day follows shortly after on March 27, with all 30 teams in action. Remarkably, this will be the earliest Opening Day in MLB history. Fans can expect an action-packed start to the season, though only four of these games will be divisional matchups. The Athletics are set to commence their season with a four-game series in Seattle, and another highlight for them will be their historic first-ever game in Sacramento on March 31, where they will face the Cubs in a three-game series. This blend of tradition and new arenas provides an exciting start to what promises to be a compelling season.
International Intentions and Rivalries
Interestingly, while the Tokyo Series stands as the only international series for the 2025 season, MLB had initially hoped to expand its global reach with games in Paris. Unfortunately, those plans did not materialize, leaving Japan as the sole international destination for the league this season. Despite this, the 2025 schedule is not short on excitement.
A significant highlight will be "Rivalry Weekend," scheduled for May 16-18. This weekend will feature 11 series involving divisional rivals, along with four series of geographic rivalries. Notably, some interleague rivals will square off in six games, rather than the customary four, adding an extra layer of competition and intrigue to these matchups. This focused period of intense, high-stakes games is sure to captivate fans and maintain heightened interest throughout the spring.
All-Star Festivities in Atlanta
Mid-season, all eyes will turn to Truist Park in Atlanta, which will host the 95th All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15. The festivities begin earlier with the Futures Game on July 12, followed by the start of the 2025 draft on July 13. Fans will then be treated to the always electrifying Home Run Derby on July 14, providing a comprehensive showcase of the league’s brightest stars and future talents. This week-long celebration of baseball in Atlanta promises to be a memorable highlight of the season.
Season's End and Postseason Start
The regular season will conclude on Sunday, September 28, with an all-inclusive slate of games featuring all 30 teams, including eight divisional matchups. This finale ensures that the season ends with a flurry of critical games that could have significant playoff implications. The postseason is set to begin shortly thereafter on Tuesday, September 30, as teams shift their focus to the ultimate prize.
Each team’s individual schedule can now be accessed on their respective official websites, allowing fans to plan and anticipate the games they won’t want to miss. As the 2025 season approaches, the excitement and narrative are already building, promising another year of memorable moments and intense competition in Major League Baseball.