As Major League Baseball continues to expand its global footprint, fans worldwide are being treated to a series of international games that promise to bring the excitement of America's pastime to new and diverse audiences. With a slate of games scheduled in various countries, the 2024 and 2025 seasons are set to showcase baseball’s global appeal like never before.
Dodgers and Cubs Set to Open 2025 Season in Tokyo
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will kick off the 2025 MLB season with an international series in Tokyo, Japan. Scheduled for March 18-19, these games will take place at the iconic Tokyo Dome, marking the sixth time that MLB has opened a regular season in Japan. The Dodgers’ roster features Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs boast Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, making this series a significant cultural event for Japanese fans.
This announcement follows the Dodgers' previous venture overseas, where they opened the 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. The consistent choice of Asian venues underscores MLB's strategic efforts to tap into enthusiastic baseball markets across the Pacific.
Commissioner Rob Manfred on MLB's International Efforts
Commissioner Rob Manfred has been vocal about MLB's commitment to globalization. "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," he said, highlighting the league's ongoing efforts to engage fans globally. "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."
Manfred emphasized the impact of bringing the sport to international audiences, stating, "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."
Future MLB International Games
In addition to the Tokyo series, MLB has planned an array of international games spanning multiple locations. The Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies are set to play in Mexico City, enhancing the sport's visibility in Latin America. Meanwhile, the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies will face off in London, continuing a tradition of games in Europe aimed at building a fanbase in the region.
The Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox will also contribute to MLB's international presence by playing spring training games in the Dominican Republic, a country renowned for its deep baseball heritage. Adding to the excitement, the New York Yankees will play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, further broadening MLB's footprint in the area.
These international engagements reflect MLB's ongoing ambition to transform baseball into a truly global sport. By bringing games to diverse locales, the league not only provides local fans with the opportunity to watch top-tier baseball live but also cultivates a broader interest in the sport. As these efforts continue, the vibrancy and international appeal of Major League Baseball are poised to grow, thrilling fans both old and new across the world.