The 2025 Major League Baseball season is finally here, and fans are excited to see their favorite teams and players back in action. This year brings a unique twist with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs kicking off the season in Japan.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will start the 2025 MLB regular season with a two-game series in Japan. This special event is set to begin on Tuesday, March 18, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:10 a.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on MLB.TV or with a Fubo subscription, which offers a free trial for new users.
Why Japan?
The decision to host the season opener in Japan is part of MLB’s efforts to expand its global reach and engage with international audiences. Japan, with its rich baseball culture and passionate fanbase, provides the perfect backdrop for this exciting start to the season.
New Faces in New Places
This offseason has seen several high-profile players switching teams, adding an extra layer of excitement to the 2025 season. Among the most notable moves:
- Juan Soto joins the New York Mets
- Corbin Burnes heads to the Arizona Diamondbacks
- Willy Adames signs with the San Francisco Giants
- Tanner Scott and Blake Snell become new members of the Los Angeles Dodgers
- Kyle Tucker now plays for the Chicago Cubs
Fans are eagerly anticipating how these players will perform with their new teams and the impact they will have on the league.
Spotlight on the Dodgers and Cubs
As the Dodgers and Cubs face off in Japan, all eyes will be on the new additions to their rosters. Tanner Scott and Blake Snell will be making their debuts for the Dodgers, while Kyle Tucker will be showcasing his skills for the Cubs. These matchups promise to be thrilling and set the tone for the rest of the season.
Traditional MLB Opening Day
While the Dodgers and Cubs get an early start, the traditional MLB Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 27. On this day, 28 teams will take the field, marking the official start of the 2025 regular season. Despite already having two games under their belts, both the Dodgers and Cubs will participate in Opening Day contests.
Opening Day Matchups
Some of the key matchups to look forward to on March 27 include:
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- The Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Detroit Tigers at home
- The Chicago Cubs playing the Arizona Diamondbacks in Arizona
These games are sure to be packed with excitement as teams look to start their seasons on a high note.
Special Circumstances for the Tampa Bay Rays
In a rare exception, the Tampa Bay Rays will not be playing on Opening Day. Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton during the offseason, the Rays have been given an extra day to prepare for the 2025 regular season. They will be setting up their new, temporary home at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home for the New York Yankees.
Adjusting to New Surroundings
The Rays’ relocation to George M. Steinbrenner Field is a temporary measure to ensure the team can continue to compete while their home city recovers. This move presents unique challenges and opportunities for the team as they adapt to their new environment.
What to Expect This Season
The 2025 MLB season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With new player dynamics, fresh team strategies, and the league’s continued efforts to engage with a global audience, fans have plenty to look forward to.
Key Players to Watch
In addition to the newly relocated stars mentioned earlier, several other players are expected to make significant impacts this season. Keep an eye on:
- Fernando Tatis Jr. with the San Diego Padres
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the Toronto Blue Jays
- Ronald Acuña Jr. with the Atlanta Braves
These players are poised to deliver standout performances and could be pivotal in their teams’ success.
Teams on the Rise
Several teams have made significant improvements during the offseason and are expected to be strong contenders this year. Watch out for:
- The New York Mets with their bolstered lineup
- The San Francisco Giants with their new acquisitions
- The Arizona Diamondbacks with their strengthened pitching staff
Conclusion
The 2025 MLB season is shaping up to be an unforgettable journey filled with thrilling games, breakout performances, and unforgettable moments.
As we gear up for Opening Day, make sure to stay updated on all the latest news and highlights by following your favorite teams and players.
For more detailed information, you can check the full schedule and updates on the official MLB Opening Day schedule.
Get ready, baseball fans – it’s going to be a season to remember!
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