Dodgers And Cubs Kick Off 2025 MLB Season At Tokyo Dome

The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season kicks off with great fanfare as the Los Angeles Dodgers square off against the Chicago Cubs on March 18, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome, Japan. This matchup, taking place at 6:10 AM ET, marks the first game of the Tokyo Series and highlights the global appeal of America's pastime.

The Dodgers, just five months removed from their victorious 2024 World Series run, carry significant momentum as they enter this season. Having fortified their roster with high-profile acquisitions such as Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott, Hyeseong Kim, and Michael Conforto during the offseason, the Dodgers are positioned as +240 favorites to defend their title.

Meanwhile, the Cubs, who concluded the 2024 season with a solid record of 83-79, are optimistic about their chances this year. With the addition of outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Ryan Pressly, they aim for improvement, sporting an Over/Under of 85.5 wins for the season. The Cubs anticipate building on their success against the Dodgers, having won the season series last year 4-2.

The buzz surrounding the game intensifies due to the presence of several Japanese players on both rosters. Starting pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga, both hailing from Japan, take the mound, adding extra significance to the matchup as they perform on home soil. Yamamoto, who posted a 3.00 ERA and was 7-2 last season, faces Imanaga, who had impressive stats with a 2.91 ERA and 15-3 record.

Both starters had promising, yet challenging, spring training performances leading up to Opening Day. Yamamoto struggled to find consistency, allowing six runs over 13 innings, whereas Imanaga faced adversity as well, yielding seven runs over 11 innings. Expectations are high for both pitchers as they prepare to face off on this monumental occasion.

Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts, whose Japanese heritage adds another layer to this game, expressed his excitement about the international showcase. Missing from the Dodgers lineup, due to illness, is star player Mookie Betts, which leaves the team without one of its key offensive threats. His absence could be pivotal, as Betts was a significant contributor last season and expected to play a major role this year.

Notably, the Tokyo Dome itself presents unique challenges and advantages. Known for its propensity to favor hitters due to its shorter power alleys and relatively high home run rates, the venue is dubbed “Homer Heaven.” The Dodgers and Cubs will have to adapt quickly to these conditions, adding another layer of unpredictability to the encounter. This aspect is especially relevant for pitchers, as Imanaga's fly-ball tendency (45.5% last season) may play against him.

Betting markets reflect interest in this game, with the Dodgers favored by -150, compared to the Cubs at +125. The total runs over/under is set at 8, showcasing expectations for offensive output, particularly with the unique playing conditions of the Tokyo Dome. Betting lines fluctuate, and experts suggest watching closely as teams adapt to the venue and conditions throughout the game.

Both teams enter the game with historical momentum; the Dodgers have successfully started previous seasons abroad. Last year, they played against the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Sky Dome, winning one of the two matchups but later going on to win the World Series.

For fans and bettors alike, this Tokyo Series opener holds numerous storylines and player performances to monitor, including the matchup's impact on player development and the significance of this game for both teams as they set the tone for the season. Will the defending champions justify their considerable favorite status, or will the Chicago Cubs find their stride and upset the odds? This is the question on every fan's lips as the world turns its eyes to Tokyo.

With predictions leaning slightly toward the Dodgers, many analysts shared insights on their likelihood to cover the spread. Some suggest the value lies with the Cubs, especially considering the Dodgers’ injury setbacks. According to some betting experts, the Cubs’ lineup, bolstered by new talent, may surprise their opponents and provides compelling betting angles.

Regardless of the outcome, this game will mark another chapter for both teams as they work to establish their identities for the season. From avid fans cheering from Tokyo to casual viewers tuning in from around the globe, the opening day of the MLB season promises to deliver excitement and showcase talent from both American and Japanese baseball as the path to the World Series begins.