MLB Unveils 2025 Regular-Season Schedule Highlighted by Opening Series in Tokyo
In an exciting revelation for baseball enthusiasts worldwide, Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced its 2025 regular-season schedule, with the details coming to light on the closing day of the 2024 All-Star break.
Each team's individual schedule is now available on their official websites, providing fans with a comprehensive look at the upcoming season's matchups and dates. One of the standout features of the 2025 season is its international flair, with the opening games set to take place overseas.
Opening Series in Tokyo
The 2025 MLB season will commence with a much-anticipated series at the Tokyo Dome, where the Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19. This marks MLB's first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo. The Dodgers' lineup for the opening games is set to feature Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs will counter with Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, creating an intriguing matchup that is sure to captivate baseball fans on both sides of the Pacific.
Traditional Opening Day
Following the international opener, the traditional Opening Day for the 2025 season is slated for Thursday, March 27. This date will go down in history as the earliest traditional Opening Day ever, and it will see all 30 MLB teams in action. Notably, there will be only four divisional matchups on this day, but the excitement is bound to be high as fans celebrate the return of baseball for another season. The Oakland Athletics will kick off their season with a four-game series in Seattle, adding another layer of intrigue to the early days of the season.
The Athletics' Unique Schedule
Adding to the buzz, the Athletics will play their first-ever game in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, facing the Cubs in a three-game series. This marks a notable expansion in the use of alternative venues, providing an opportunity for fans in different regions to experience MLB action firsthand.
Rivalry Weekend
One of the marquee events of the 2025 season will be "Rivalry Weekend," scheduled for May 16-18. The event will feature 11 series involving division rivals and an additional four series focusing on geographic rivalries. Some of the interleague rivalries will be extended to six games, deviating from the customary four-game format, ensuring that these matchups are more intense and impactful.
All-Star Break Festivities
The 95th All-Star Game is set to take place at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15, promising a mid-season celebration of the sport's top talent. Leading up to that, the Futures Game will be held on July 12, showcasing the MLB stars of tomorrow. The draft will begin on July 13, giving teams the chance to add new prospects to their rosters. The Home Run Derby, a fan favorite, is scheduled for July 14, rounding out what promises to be an action-packed All-Star break.
Season's End and Postseason
The 2025 regular season will conclude with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. The final day will feature eight divisional matchups, setting the stage for potential last-minute playoff clinches and positioning battles. The postseason is set to begin on Tuesday, September 30, as teams vie for the coveted World Series title.
International Hopes and Scheduling
While the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs is the only international series on the 2025 schedule, MLB had initially hoped to include games in Paris. Unfortunately, those plans fell through, but the league remains committed to expanding its global footprint in future seasons.
With a schedule packed with early-season international excitement, historic opening dates, intense rivalries, and a well-anticipated All-Star break, the 2025 MLB season is shaping up to be a memorable one for players and fans alike. As each team gears up for a new season, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling year of baseball.