Major League Baseball is set to capture global attention in 2025 with a remarkable season opener, unveiling a schedule filled with international flair, historic milestones, and intense rivalries. The highly anticipated calendar was announced on the last day of the 2024 All-Star break, offering fans a detailed look at what promises to be a thrilling season.
Opening Overseas: Dodgers vs. Cubs
The 2025 season will commence with an exciting overseas series on March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome. This series will feature the Los Angeles Dodgers squaring off against the Chicago Cubs, promising a spectacular showcase for fans in Japan. Highlighted by marquee talent, the games will feature Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, countered by Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs.
This highly anticipated face-off marks MLB's return to Japan for the first time since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo. The international series underscores MLB's commitment to expanding its global reach and engaging fans worldwide.
Traditional Opening Day
Following the Tokyo showcase, the traditional Opening Day is slated for Thursday, March 27, and is set to make history as the earliest Opening Day ever. All 30 teams will be in action, though fans will notice only four divisional matchups among the opening games. The Athletics will kick off their season with a four-game series in Seattle, reflecting the dynamic nature of the 2025 schedule.
Notably, the Athletics will also mark another milestone, as they are set to play their first-ever game in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, in a three-game series against the Cubs. This event is expected to draw significant local interest and further energize the fan base.
International and Domestic Highlights
In addition to the Tokyo Series, the MLB schedule had initially included plans for games in Paris. Unfortunately, those plans did not materialize, leaving the Tokyo games as the sole international series for 2025. Even so, the season promises ample excitement on domestic fields, ensuring fans have plenty to look forward to.
"Rivalry Weekend," set for May 16-18, is another highlight that will command attention. Featuring 11 series involving division rivals and four series of geographic rivalries, this weekend is designed to intensify the competitive spirit of the league. Notably, some interleague rivals will play six games, departing from the traditional four-game sets, which promises to heighten the drama and stakes for these matchups.
Midseason Festivities
The 2025 All-Star break, scheduled in mid-July, is packed with events hosted at Truist Park in Atlanta. The festivities kick off with the Futures Game on July 12, followed by the start of the draft on July 13. The Home Run Derby, a fan favorite, will electrify on July 14, setting the stage for the 95th All-Star Game on July 15. These events serve as a captivating midpoint, celebrating the stars of today and tomorrow in the baseball world.
Season's End and Postseason Chase
The regular season will draw to a close with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. The final day promises to be a nail-biter, featuring eight divisional matchups that could have critical implications for postseason berths. The intensity will carry over to the playoffs, which are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 30, igniting the chase for the coveted World Series championship.
MLB's 2025 season, with its blend of international appeal, historic firsts, and fierce rivalries, promises to be a captivating narrative from start to finish. Fans can access their favorite team's individual schedule on the respective official websites, ensuring they won't miss a moment of the action.