The unveiling of Major League Baseball's 2025 regular-season schedule on the final day of the 2024 All-Star break brought much excitement and anticipation among fans and teams alike. With each team's schedule now accessible on their official websites, the upcoming season promises to be historic and action-packed.
International Kickoff in Tokyo
One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2025 schedule is the decision to commence the season overseas. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will face off in the Tokyo Dome on March 18-19, marking MLB's first return to Japan since 2019 when the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the season in Tokyo. This series will offer fans a rare opportunity to witness a clash between two iconic franchises on international soil.
The Dodgers will bring star power to Tokyo with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs counter with Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki. The participation of these marquee players adds a layer of excitement to an already storied matchup.
Historic Opening Day
The traditional Opening Day is set to commence on Thursday, March 27, with all 30 teams in action. Notably, this will be the earliest traditional Opening Day in baseball history, underscoring MLB's commitment to expanding its global footprint and engaging fans worldwide.
Among the various matchups scheduled for Opening Day, there will only be four divisional games, a unique twist that sets an intriguing tone for the season. The Athletics, for example, will kick off their campaign with a four-game series in Seattle before making history again by playing their first-ever game in Sacramento on March 31 against the Cubs.
Tokyo Series: The Sole International Fixture
Despite MLB's initial aspirations to include games in Paris, the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs remains the only international series on the 2025 schedule. This exclusive event heightens its significance and ensures that all eyes will be on Tokyo in mid-March.
Rivalry Weekend
The 2025 schedule also includes the much-anticipated "Rivalry Weekend," set for May 16-18. This special weekend will feature 11 series involving division rivals and four series of geographic rivalries, further intensifying the competition. Additionally, some interleague rivals will engage in six-game series instead of the usual four, providing extended opportunities for fans to witness these historic clashes.
All-Star Festivities in Atlanta
Truist Park in Atlanta will host the 95th All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15, a marquee event in the baseball calendar. The All-Star festivities will kick off with the Futures Game on July 12, followed by the 2025 Draft starting on July 13. Fans will also look forward to the Home Run Derby, set for July 14, showcasing baseball's premier power hitters.
Season's End and Postseason Beginnings
The regular season will draw to a close with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. The final day will be highlighted by eight divisional matchups, potentially setting the stage for thrilling postseason races.
The postseason is set to commence on Tuesday, September 30, paving the way for what promises to be an electrifying chase for the World Series title. With a season filled with unique matchups, historic firsts, and international flair, baseball fans have much to look forward to in 2025.