Major League Baseball (MLB) is making waves internationally, announcing an exciting slate of global games for 2024 and 2025 that will bring America’s pastime to fans across the world. Among the most anticipated events, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will kick off the 2025 MLB season with a thrilling international series in Tokyo, Japan.
Dodgers vs. Cubs in Tokyo
This two-game series, scheduled for March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, marks a significant occasion as MLB continues its tradition of opening the regular season in Japan. This upcoming series will be the sixth time MLB has initiated its season in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Key players from both clubs are sure to draw crowds. The Dodgers will feature stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs will showcase talents such as Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. These matchups promise to be a spectacular display of baseball excellence, with both teams boasting strong international talents.
MLB’s Growing International Presence
The venture into Tokyo follows the Dodgers' 2024 season opener, which was also played overseas with a two-game set against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. Such initiatives underscore MLB’s commitment to expanding its footprint and growing its fan base globally.
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his enthusiasm for these international games, stating, "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024. 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."
A Global Celebration of Baseball
In addition to the Tokyo series, MLB has arranged several other international matchups. Mexico City will host games featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies. Across the pond in London, the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies are slated to face off, bringing American baseball to European fans. Spring training will also see a global twist with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox set to play in the Dominican Republic, a country with a rich baseball heritage.
Moreover, the New York Yankees will head to Mexico City for an exhibition game against the Diablos Rojos, further emphasizing MLB's dedication to bringing the sport to diverse international audiences.
As Commissioner Manfred aptly noted, "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." This commitment to spreading the joy of baseball is expected to foster stronger connections with international communities and inspire a new generation of baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
The MLB's strategic approach not only fortifies its presence in key international markets but also honors the game's evolving global culture. By featuring high-profile teams and players in these international series, MLB is creating unforgettable experiences for fans and reinforcing the sport’s universal appeal.
Heading into 2024 and beyond, MLB's global initiatives represent a departure from traditional domestic-only games, showcasing a bold new vision for the sport. The excitement generated by these international fixtures illuminates the league’s potential to unify fans around the world through the shared love of baseball.