The 2025 MLB season will commence with an international flair as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs set their sights on Tokyo, Japan. This exciting two-game series is scheduled to unfold on March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, bringing America's pastime to a delighted international audience.
The Dodgers' lineup will showcase some star power with the inclusion of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom promise to captivate Japanese fans. On the other side, the Cubs will field Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, adding to the allure of this thrilling matchup. The presence of these standout players is sure to generate substantial excitement and anticipation as two storied franchises clash on foreign soil.
This international endeavor is not a first for the Dodgers, who opened their 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. The upcoming series in Tokyo marks the sixth instance that MLB has initiated its regular season in Japan, reiterating the league's commitment to expanding its global footprint.
Global Expansion in Full Swing
MLB's efforts to grow the game beyond North America continue to gather momentum. Aside from Japan, the league has orchestrated several other international events. Mexico City will play host to the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, offering fans south of the border an opportunity to witness top-tier baseball action. Furthermore, London is set to welcome the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies, underscoring MLB's commitment to reaching new audiences across the globe.
Increased Presence in the Dominican Republic
In March, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox will engage in spring training games in the Dominican Republic, a country steeped in baseball tradition and known for producing a wealth of MLB talent. Additionally, the New York Yankees will play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, further reinforcing MLB’s dedication to engaging with its international fanbase.
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his enthusiasm about the league's expanding global initiatives: “Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024. 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.”
Manfred's comments reflect the league's strategic push to diversify and grow its audience base by tapping into markets that have shown a burgeoning interest in the sport. “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,” he added. The international series offer fans a rare opportunity to experience MLB's premium level of competition in person, an initiative poised to enhance the league's global brand and fan engagement.
A Celebration of Baseball's Universal Appeal
The series in Tokyo, along with other planned international matchups, signifies more than just games played overseas; they are a celebration of baseball's universal appeal and the deep connections it fosters across cultures and borders. For players like Ohtani and Suzuki, who have already created substantial followings in Japan, these games represent homecomings, adding an emotional layer to the competitive fervor.
As MLB continues to look beyond American shores for growth, these international games serve to bridge gaps, bringing together diverse fan bases and enhancing the sport's global outreach. The Dodgers and Cubs' showdown in Tokyo will be yet another chapter in MLB's ongoing saga of international expansion, showcasing baseball’s timeless allure and its capacity to connect hearts and minds worldwide.