Monterrey, Nuevo León - Baseball fans in Mexico are gearing up for an exciting historic moment as the Boston Red Sox are set to make their inaugural visit to Monterrey, Mexico. This visit includes two exhibition games, the first taking place at the Estadio Mobil Super on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. local time. The excitement surrounding this event stems not only from the presence of one of Major League Baseball's most storied franchises but also from the significance of these games as part of the MLB World Tour 2025.
This event marks a milestone as it is the first time the Red Sox will face off against the Sultanes de Monterrey. The two teams will meet again for a second game on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, providing fans with another opportunity to witness this exciting matchup. The game is set to be broadcasted on ESPN in Mexico and Canal 6 Multimedios, while streaming will be available through Disney+ and MLB TV.
The significance of this matchup extends beyond mere exhibition; it serves as a critical tune-up as both teams prepare for their respective seasons—the Sultanes for the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) and the Red Sox for the thrilling start of the MLB season. The Sultanes, champions of the Northern Zone in the Liga Mexicana, are looking to assert their dominance after a disappointing loss in the 2024 Serie del Rey against the Diablos Rojos del México.
As the Red Sox build their roster ahead of a hopeful season in the American League East, they will do so by showcasing new talents. This season, they have added prominent players such as Alex Bregman, Aroldis Chapman, and Walker Buehler to their roster. Unfortunately, two key players, Rafael Devers and Trevor Story, will be absent due to injuries, opening up the field for other players to make their mark. Among those players is Jarren Durán, a standout from the previous season, boasting a batting average of .285 and leading the American League in both doubles (48) and triples (14). Durán, who was also named MVP of the All-Star Game, is a player to watch in this exhibition series.
In contrast, the Sultanes are backed by notable Mexican players such as Esteban Quiroz, Luis Cessa, and Manny Bañuelos, who will undoubtedly bolster their performance. Cessa is set to take the mound as the starting pitcher for the opening game against the Red Sox—a notable debut for him after ten years in the MLB, featuring tenures with the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. For the Red Sox, Richard Fitts is expected to be the starting pitcher for the first game of the series. The second game will see Shane Drohan take the mound, while the Sultanes have yet to announce their pitcher for that matchup.
The anticipation for these games is palpable, especially since they bring Major League Baseball back to Monterrey after a six-year absence. The last time a Major League team played in the city was during the 'Mexico Series' in 2019, which featured notable franchises such as the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds.
Being part of these exhibition games allows both teams to gather valuable experience and represents a growing interest from the MLB in Mexico. As the owner of the Sultanes expressed, the desire among MLB teams to engage with the Mexican audience is significant. This is evidenced not only by the Red Sox's current visit but also by other recent international series that included matches in the country, indicating a lasting commitment to expanding baseball's reach beyond the United States.
Fans can tune into the first game excitement, which kicks off a little after 7:00 p.m. local time, broadcast on ESPN, Disney+, and local radio stations RG 690 and La T Grande 990 AM. It's an incredible opportunity for devoted baseball fans in Monterrey to witness top-tier talent on the diamond and cheer for their local team against a Major League opponent. Further, it highlights how far baseball has come in Mexico, representing deep-rooted enthusiasm for the sport that resonates with fans from both sides.
As the Red Sox prepare to face the Sultanes and start their quest for the American League East title, both teams share the underlying goal to improve and gear up for what lies ahead in this sports season.
In retrospect, these exhibition games are not merely about competition; they're ultimately about professional baseball's ability to transcend borders, uniting fans through a love for the sport. With March 24 and 25 fast approaching, the excitement builds as Monterrey prepares for a historic showdown between the Sultanes de Monterrey and the Boston Red Sox.
