As the excitement builds for the 2025 MLB season, ABEMA has announced a groundbreaking initiative that will enhance the viewing experience for baseball fans in Japan. The streaming service is set to exclusively broadcast Dave Roberts' regular interview project titled "Ohayo Roberts," kicking off with its inaugural episode on March 27, 2025. This initiative aims to provide fans with deeper insights into the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions, as well as the personalities behind the team.
ABEMA's partnership with SPOTV NOW will enable it to broadcast a total of 485 official MLB games live throughout the season, starting with the highly anticipated opening game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Detroit Tigers on March 28, 2025. This game will be available for free viewing, beginning at 7:10 AM JST, and is expected to draw significant attention from fans eager to see their favorite players in action.
The first episode of "Ohayo Roberts" will be streamed at 3 PM JST on March 27, where Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will engage in a candid conversation about the upcoming season. Roberts expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I want to be asked questions that are different from those at press conferences, allowing fans to get to know my personality on a deeper level." This initiative promises to give fans a unique look at the team as they prepare for their season opener.
During the inaugural interview, Roberts will discuss various topics, including the Dodgers' recent preseason games against Japanese teams, the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, while also sharing insights on the team's starting rotation for the season. He confirmed that the rotation will feature standout pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Dustin May. Roberts highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent, specifically mentioning Roki Sasaki's need to acclimate to the major leagues and maintain his physical condition.
Roberts also took the opportunity to express his excitement about the Dodgers' players being able to showcase their skills in front of Japanese fans. He mentioned several Japanese players who have caught his eye, including Kazuma Okamoto of the Giants and Teruaki Sato of the Tigers, indicating a keen interest in international talent.
ABEMA's coverage of the MLB season will not be limited to the Dodgers. The platform will also broadcast other opening games featuring prominent Japanese players. On the same day as the Dodgers' opener, fans can look forward to watching the Los Angeles Angels, featuring Yusei Kikuchi, face off against the Chicago White Sox, and the San Diego Padres, with Yu Darvish and Matsui Hiroki, take on the Atlanta Braves. Additionally, the Chicago Cubs, showcasing Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, will compete against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Dodgers vs. Tigers game will be presented as a special edition titled "Dodgers Opening Game: Abema Super Deluxe LIVE," featuring a commentary team composed of Ryota Gojujo, Munenori Kawasaki, and Yoshio Ito. The broadcast will include a studio segment where Rob Friedman, known as the "Pitching Ninja," will provide expert analysis on Japanese pitchers making their mark in the MLB.
As the MLB season approaches, Roberts and the Dodgers are focused on building upon their success from last year. The manager's strategic insights and the team's roster depth will play a crucial role in their quest to defend their championship title. With the addition of regular interviews through ABEMA, fans will have the opportunity to engage with the team like never before.
ABEMA's commitment to delivering high-quality sports content is evident in its efforts to provide extensive coverage of the MLB. The service aims to bridge the gap between American baseball and Japanese fans, offering a comprehensive viewing experience that includes live games, interviews, and expert commentary. As the Dodgers prepare to kick off their season, the excitement surrounding both the team and the broadcast partnership with ABEMA is palpable.
In conclusion, the upcoming MLB season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with the Dodgers leading the charge. Fans can look forward to a season filled with thrilling matchups, exclusive insights from Dave Roberts, and the opportunity to witness the talents of both American and Japanese players on the field. With ABEMA's innovative approach to sports broadcasting, the future of baseball viewing in Japan has never looked brighter.
