Major League Baseball is back with excitement as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are set to clash in the Tokyo Series, kicking off the 2025 season. This event marks MLB's return to Japan for the first time since 2019, promising thrilling baseball as both teams showcase their talents at the iconic Tokyo Dome.
The series will take place over two days, with games scheduled for March 18 and 19, starting at 6:05 AM ET (3:05 AM PT) for both matchups. National audiences can catch the action on Fox Sports for the first game and FS1 for the second game, along with local coverage on SportsNet LA and Marquee Sports Network. This marks the sixth time MLB will open its regular season in Japan, and it is particularly significant as the Dodgers seek to defend their World Series title, strong with players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
"I'm excited... This is going to be off the charts," said Stan Kasten, the Dodgers president, highlighting the enormity and excitement surrounding this international showcase. The Dodgers are backed by another compelling lineup, including their ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is expected to take the mound against fellow Japanese star Shota Imanaga of the Cubs. Yamamoto's start is historic as it will be the first time two Japanese-born pitchers face each other on Opening Day.
For the Cubs, the excitement is equally palpable as they bring Kyle Tucker, newly acquired, to help strengthen their roster. The Cubs also feature Seiya Suzuki and Imanaga — the latter, who had impressive performances last season and is positioned to be one of the key players during the series. This series provides the Cubs with not only the chance to make their mark but also the opportunity to demonstrate their offseason improvements.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed his enthusiasm not only for the gameplay but for the cultural experience as well. "We got a little taste of Asia as far as last year in Seoul. This is really good opportunity for us to bring our game, certainly our Japanese players to their home country," he stated. The cultural significance of hosting such games cannot be understated as baseball continues to flourish as both a sport and passion across Japan.
The games will also mark the MLB debuts for promising pitchers like Roki Sasaki, who is expected to take the mound on March 19 against Justin Steele. Sasaki has caught the attention of fans with his impressive skills, particularly his deadly splitter, promising thrilling action for viewers. Both games will begin at 7 PM local time, which presents unique time dynamics as fans across the U.S. tune in early morning to witness their favorite teams.
Both teams spent pre-season playing exhibition games to prepare for the matchup. The Dodgers played the Yomiuri Giants and the Hanshin Tigers, best using the time for adjustments and team bonding. Similarly, the Cubs faced off against the same teams. This preparation is expected to yield significant dividends as they transition back from exhibition mode to regular season intensity.
Fans of both teams, along with those who appreciate brilliant baseball, will have multiple avenues to watch the games. Aside from traditional television broadcasting, online streaming options include FuboTV, DirecTV, Hulu, and YouTube TV among others, ensuring accessibility for all fans, regardless of their location. This widespread availability signals the significance of this event far beyond just baseball, as it embodies the international spirit of the game.
Mookie Betts, the star shortstop for the Dodgers, will miss this series due to illness, leaving room for others to step up and demonstrate their capabilities. His absence could alter the Dodgers' strategies, but the depth and talent present on the roster suggests they are equipped to face any challenges thrown their way.
The importance of this Tokyo Series extends beyond wins and losses on the scoreboard. For many younger players, it serves as inspiration, as they witness the heights to which their favorite players aspire. Ohtani, for example, is not only one of the league's most prominent stars but also holds the adoration of many young athletes across Japan.
This match-up between the Dodgers and Cubs is destined to create memorable moments and set the tone for the 2025 MLB season. The anticipation for the energy-filled encounters at the Tokyo Dome is palpable and grounds the series as not only the launch of another baseball season but also as a pivotal moment for the sport’s global outreach.
By showcasing some of baseball's best talent against the backdrop of Japanese culture, the Tokyo Series is poised to make waves. It stands as another chapter of MLB's international endeavors — enriching the relationships with fans base abroad and creating excitement for what's to come as the rest of the season progresses.
