Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially released the 2025 regular-season schedule, presenting fans and teams alike with a roadmap for the upcoming year. The revelation came on the last day of the 2024 All-Star break, giving enthusiasts plenty of time to mark their calendars and anticipate key matchups.
Opening in Tokyo
The season will commence with a bang, featuring two overseas games on March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome. These opening contests will see the Los Angeles Dodgers facing off against the Chicago Cubs, marking MLB’s exciting return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners kicked off the 2019 season in Tokyo.
Fans can look forward to seeing baseball sensations like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs, showcasing their talents on an international stage. This series not only boosts MLB's international presence but also underlines the league's commitment to globalizing the sport.
Historic Opening Day
The traditional Opening Day is set for Thursday, March 27, featuring all 30 teams in action. This date is noteworthy as it will be the earliest traditional Opening Day in baseball history. However, only four divisional matchups will take place on this inaugural day of the season.
The Athletics are slated to start their campaign with a four-game series in Seattle. Interestingly, their season will feature a historic first when they play in Sacramento for the first time on Monday, March 31, facing the Cubs in a three-game series. This new venue adds a fresh twist, potentially drawing new fans to the sport.
International Hopes Adjusted
The Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs remains the sole international series on the 2025 schedule. MLB had entertained ambitious plans to hold games in Paris, but logistical complications prevented these aspirations from becoming a reality.
Rivalry Weekend and Key Events
“Rivalry Weekend,” scheduled for May 16-18, promises a thrilling set of games featuring 11 divisional matchups and four geographic rivalries. Some interleague rivals will compete in six games instead of the customary four, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans fervent about these storied confrontations.
Additionally, Truist Park in Atlanta will play host to the 95th All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15. The All-Star festivities will also include the Futures Game on July 12, the 2025 draft starting on July 13, and the Home Run Derby on July 14. This extended weekend of festivities is poised to be a highlight of the mid-season, celebrating the sport's brightest talents and upcoming stars.
End of the Regular Season
The regular season will come to a close with a bustling day of baseball on Sunday, September 28, as all 30 teams take to the field. Fans should be ready for an end-of-season thrill, with eight divisional matchups on the final day promising high stakes and intense competition.
The postseason is set to commence shortly after, on Tuesday, September 30, leading into the high drama and excitement of playoff baseball.
With these meticulously planned schedules and key matchups, the 2025 MLB season is shaping up to be a landmark year for baseball enthusiasts worldwide. From the glittering debut in Tokyo to the strategic “Rivalry Weekend” and the crescendo of the regular season's finale, MLB has curated a calendar that promises unparalleled excitement and engagement for fans across the globe.