The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to kick off the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season with a highly anticipated international series in Tokyo, Japan. The two-game series is scheduled for March 18-19 and will be held at the iconic Tokyo Dome.
This marks a historic moment for both teams as they bring their talents to an international stage. The Dodgers' roster for this series will include notable stars such as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, adding an extra layer of excitement for Japanese fans. On the other side, the Chicago Cubs will showcase their talents with players like Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, ensuring a thrilling matchup for baseball enthusiasts.
Building on International Success
This event in Tokyo is part of MLB's broader strategy to expand its global reach and engage with fans around the world. It will be the sixth time that MLB has launched a regular season in Japan, a testament to the sport's growing international appeal. Commenting on these efforts, Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed the league's enthusiasm for its extensive slate of international games in 2024, which includes destinations like Mexico City, London, and Santo Domingo.
"Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," said Manfred. "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."
Global Platforms for MLB Stars
The broader push includes the Astros and Rockies facing off in Mexico City and the Mets and Phillies competing in London. In addition, the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox will play spring training games in the Dominican Republic, and the New York Yankees will showcase their prowess in an exhibition game against the Diablos Rojos in Mexico City.
Manfred highlighted the significance of bringing MLB stars to international fans, stating, "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."
A Return to Tokyo
The upcoming series in Tokyo between the Dodgers and Cubs is sure to capture the hearts of baseball fans, both locally and internationally. The excitement is especially palpable given that the Dodgers are no strangers to international play, having opened the 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. This previous venture not only brought MLB action to Korean fans but also set the stage for future international engagements.
For the Dodgers, featuring Shohei Ohtani, a beloved figure in Japan, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Tokyo series represents a homecoming that is likely to resonate deeply with local fans. Similarly, the Cubs' inclusion of Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga on their roster ensures that Japanese fans will see familiar faces who have made significant impacts both in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and MLB.
Strengthening Baseball Diplomacy
As MLB continues to expand its international presence, these games serve as a bridge between cultures, strengthening the global bond through the shared love of baseball. The presence of local stars in these rosters underscores MLB's commitment to celebrating and promoting the sport's rich, international heritage.
With Tokyo on the horizon, MLB's international initiatives are a clear indication of the league's dedication to fostering a global fan base and celebrating the universal appeal of baseball.