Baseball fans around the globe are in for a treat as Major League Baseball (MLB) has an extensive lineup of international games set for 2024 and 2025. The highlight of these international endeavors is the 2025 season opener, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan. This two-game series is scheduled for March 18-19 at the renowned Tokyo Dome, marking another chapter in MLB's tradition of hosting games on foreign soil.
A Star-Studded Opening
The Los Angeles Dodgers, boasting a roster that includes Japanese sensations Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, will clash with the Chicago Cubs, who feature stars like Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. This matchup not only promises to deliver exciting baseball to fans but also serves as an homage to Japan's rich baseball culture, providing fans an opportunity to see their national heroes in action on their home turf.
This won't be the Dodgers' first foray into international play in recent seasons. They opened the 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. The upcoming series in Tokyo will be the sixth time MLB has opened a regular season in Japan, underscoring the league’s commitment to expanding its global reach.
MLB's International Ambitions
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his excitement for MLB's expanding international footprint. "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," he said. Manfred highlighted the global enthusiasm that previous international series have generated and emphasized the league's intent to build on that momentum. "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."
The commissioner’s remarks reflect MLB’s strategic vision of elevating the sport’s profile by bringing games to new and returning venues outside the United States and Canada. "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," Manfred added, reiterating the league’s commitment to its international fan base.
More International Games on the Horizon
In addition to the Tokyo series, MLB has planned a variety of other international matchups. The Houston Astros will take on the Colorado Rockies in Mexico City, while the New York Mets are set to face the Philadelphia Phillies in London. Furthermore, spring training games will see the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox heading to the Dominican Republic, another move that underscores MLB's commitment to celebrating the sport's global tradition.
One particularly intriguing event will be the New York Yankees playing an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Mexican League team Diablos Rojos. This game not only emphasizes MLB’s dedication to its Mexican fans but also sets the stage for an exciting cultural exchange between the teams and their supporters.
With these international matchups, MLB is not just spreading the love of baseball but is also nurturing a spirit of global sportsmanship and camaraderie. Each game played on foreign soil is a nod to the sport's universal appeal and a strategic move to bring baseball closer to its diverse fan base around the world. As baseball continues to strengthen its global footprint, the sport's ability to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds becomes even more apparent.
In the coming years, fans can expect MLB to further its international initiatives, continuing to break new ground and open new chapters in baseball history with every swing of the bat on the global stage.