The 2025 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season is set to kick off on Friday, March 28, with all teams ready to take the field between 18:00 and 18:30 local time. This season promises to be an exciting one, with various teams looking to improve upon their performances from the previous year and new talents making their debut.
Last season, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks dominated the league, clinching their first championship in four years. However, they fell short in the Japan Series against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, leading them to aim for both the league title and the Japan Series victory this year. The Hawks boast a deep roster, featuring stars like Kensuke Kondo, who won the batting title last season, and Akira Yamakawa, who led in home runs and RBIs. Despite some injuries, including Ryoya Kurihara's right oblique muscle injury, their lineup remains formidable.
SoftBank's pitching staff is also impressive, with Kohei Arihara and Naoyuki Uwasawa expected to lead the rotation. The bullpen, which was one of the best in the league last season, will look to maintain its dominance, especially with Osuna eager to bounce back after a rocky previous season.
Meanwhile, the Nippon Ham Fighters made a significant leap last year, rising from the bottom of the league to finish second. Under the guidance of manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the team has improved its offensive and defensive precision. Key players to watch include ace Taiga Ito and power hitters Kotaro Kiyomiya and Reyes. The team's slogan, "The Great Voyage Continues," reflects their aspirations for a league championship this season.
The Chiba Lotte Marines, despite losing star pitcher Roki Sasaki to Major League Baseball, remain strong contenders. They have bolstered their roster by signing veteran right-hander Shuta Ishikawa, who has helped Fukuoka to multiple championships. The Marines also added Tayron Guerrero and Austin Voth to their bullpen, enhancing their pitching depth.
The Orix Buffaloes, who experienced a disappointing fifth-place finish last season after winning the league three consecutive times, have undergone significant changes. New manager Mamoru Kishida will aim to revitalize the team, which includes the signing of veteran right-hander Aren Kuri and adding Colombian slugger Jordan Diaz. The Buffaloes will need to improve their offensive output, having ranked fifth in runs scored last season.
On the other hand, the Seibu Lions finished last season with a record 91 losses but have a solid pitching staff. The team has made efforts to strengthen its bullpen by acquiring former MLB pitchers Emmanuel Ramirez and Trey Wingerter. With a focus on improving their scoring ability, the Lions are looking to bounce back this season.
The opening matchups for the 2025 season include the Hiroshima Toyo Carp facing off against the Hanshin Tigers at 18:00, and the Saitama Seibu Lions taking on the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at the same time. Other notable games include the Yomiuri Giants vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars vs. Chunichi Dragons, all scheduled for the evening of March 28.
Fans can look forward to watching the games through various broadcasting services. DAZN will continue to offer comprehensive coverage, while the DMMxDAZN Holdai plan provides cost-effective access to all games. For those wanting to catch every match, the SkyPer! Professional Baseball Set is the go-to option, covering all 12 teams.
Additionally, the Pacific League TV service will stream all games, making it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams. The Nippon Television network will broadcast selected games, including 20 Giants vs. Yakult matchups, while BS NTV plans to air 60 games throughout the season.
With the 2025 NPB season on the horizon, fans are eager to see how each team will perform. Will the SoftBank Hawks reclaim their title? Can the Nippon Ham Fighters build on their success? And how will the newly revamped teams fare? The excitement is palpable as the players prepare to hit the field, and the fans gear up for another thrilling season of Japanese baseball.
