Title: Taking the Diamond by Storm: Baseball's Early Season Kickoff in '25
Title: Taking the Diamond by Storm: Baseball's Early Season Kickoff in '25
Leading the charge for an early start to the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is a pre-season preview holding significant weight. This enticing two-game series pits the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, on March 18 and 19. This iconic event marks the first time in 25 years that the MLB season commences in the Japanese capital[1][3][4].
Eager to commence the season with a global flair, MLB has been hosting international games for quite some time now. The Tokyo series is a part of this endeavor, which is further bolstered by regular-season contests in various countries such as Australia, Hawaii, London, Mexico City, Monterrey, San Juan, and South Korea. This approach aims to cultivate enthusiasm for baseball beyond American shores, simultaneously boosting revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcast rights[1].
The primary attraction of this series is the returning cast of Japanese stars. The Dodgers — pursuing a second consecutive World Championship — will be led by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They will support a formidable lineup including World Series MVP Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, two-time MVP winners. Star pitcher Ohtani, who has etched his name in history as the only player to earn trophies in both leagues, will be pivotal for the Dodgers[1].
The opposing Chicago Cubs will counter with the dynamic Shota Imanaga and the highly-touted slugger Seiya Suzuki. The Tokyo series is sure to attract a passionate crowd, providing a thrilling curtain-raiser to the MLB season[1].
Baseball's Global Tour
The Tokyo series is just the tip of the iceberg, as MLB is committed to taking the sport international. Opening-day games in atypical locations like Birmingham's Rickwood Field, the oldest ballpark still standing, and the tiny Little League Classic field in Williamsport, PA, demonstrate MLB's dedication to exploring new markets and fan bases.
The most notable intercontinental clash is the scheduled Braves-Reds game at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. With a seating capacity of 115,000, it is poised to set attendance records[1].
Going the Distance
The teams will spring to life on February 20, with the Dodgers and Cubs leading the charge. Following their brief but meaningful stint in Japan, these two powerhouses will join their 28 counterparts in starting the regular season on March 27. The Tampa Bay Rays, who will be hosted by the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field, will slightly delay their season's debut on March 28 due to scheduling renovations[1][3].
Battered by the ferocity of Hurricane Milton, the Hurricane's fury led to the destruction of Tropicana Field, the home domain of the Tampa Bay Rays. The team was displaced, and unfortunately, the Oakland A's, whose Oakland Coliseum was dilapidated, also faced relocation. The erstwhile Oakland A's now go by "The Athletics," and both teams are under construction in Sacramento and Las Vegas, respectively[1].
Financial Woes and Green Shoots of Recovery
Despite financial troubles, most MLB clubs have managed to navigate the free-agent market with aplomb. Notable standouts are the New York Mets, whose record-breaking 15-year, $765 million signing of Juan Soto and the Atlanta Braves' hopeful rehabilitation of Spencer Strider after elbow surgery. There is significant expectations for Pittsburgh pitcher Paul Skenes, who earned the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2025[1].
A buzzing pre-season is an ideal opportunity to analyze the powerhouse teams and sleeper franchises. The Dodgers and Cubs will be extra scrutinized as they prepare for their Tokyo series. Shohei Ohtani's versatile prowess and the Chicago Cubs' ambitions will be among the riveting storylines to follow as the 2025 MLB season approaches.
Corbin Burnes, a promising pitcher, is expected to make a significant impact for his team during the MLB season. Ichiro Suzuki, the legendary Japanese player, might not participate in the Tokyo series due to his retirement, but his influence on baseball remains unrivaled. The Dodgers will face stiff competition at the Bristol Motor Speedway, as they take on the Cincinnati Reds, led by Gerrit Cole and Ronald Acuna Jr. Max Fried, another talented pitcher, will also be a key figure for the Braves in their intercontinental clash. Juan Soto's impressive performance in the free-agent market has raised the expectations for his team significantly, while Blake Snell could be a game-changer for his team as well.
[1] Reference or citation is provided in the original text.