The 2025 Major League Baseball season is officially underway as the Los Angeles Dodgers, the defending World Series champions, face off against the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Tokyo Dome. This matchup not only signifies the beginning of the new season but also marks the 25th anniversary since the first MLB regular-season game played in Japan, making it all the more special.
Scheduled for March 18, 2025, at 6:10 AM ET, the series opener will air on national television via FOX, and fans are gearing up for the event which features key Japanese talent on both teams. The Dodgers bring three Japanese-born players, including the reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, who is ready to lead his team against the Cubs who feature Seiya Suzuki and pitcher Shota Imanaga.
This first game will witness historical significance as Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers takes the mound against Imanaga of the Cubs, marking the first time two Japanese pitchers have faced each other on Opening Day. Yamamoto delivered an impressive 2024 season with a 7-2 record and 3.00 ERA, and the Dodgers are banking on his continued success. On the other hand, Imanaga, coming off his stellar rookie season, earned himself a spot on the National League All-Star team and is expected to showcase his skills on this grand stage.
"To be on a stage like this in Tokyo, Japanese pitchers facing off on the field is an incredible opportunity," Yamamoto said through his interpreter, Yoshihiro Sonoda. Not far behind, Imanaga has his own aspirations as he looks to solidify the Cubs' standing by finally breaking through to the playoffs, something the team has narrowly missed over the past two years.
Both players' histories add intrigue to this matchup, especially being held at the Tokyo Dome, which has been familiar ground for some MLB stars before but is particularly awaited this time due to the concentration of talent from Japan now on display. Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki expressed his excitement to play alongside other Japanese talents and take on the challenge of competing against the World Champions. “That’s the goal every year,” he noted during Spring Training. “I want to play in the playoffs.”
Game 1 will see the Dodgers lineup feature Ohtani, who will serve as the designated hitter, along with Tommy Edman, Freddie Freeman, and Michael Conforto who has been hitting impressively during spring training.
Even though some key players like Mookie Betts are sidelined due to illness, the Dodgers remain confident. Contrarily, the Cubs are missing second baseman Nico Hoerner due to injury but are banking on their depth becoming decisive during the series. Reports indicate Hoerner is progressing positively with recovery, aiming to make the upcoming domestic opener against the D-backs on March 27.
"We get the opportunity to play the world champions," Cubs manager Craig Counsell commented, adding weight to the significance of the games for his team’s aspirations this season. Fans are eager to see what inventions both teams have come up with since last season's conclusion.
One curious factor is the ballpark's dimensions; the Tokyo Dome typically leans toward being hitter-friendly but has shifted somewhat to favor heavier pitchers recently. Statistically speaking, its shorter lines (328 feet down the lines) have historically led to high-scoring games. This brings up exciting bets and breakdowns on potential outcomes, with plays like predicting runs over/under being hot topics.
Fans at home can follow along via all major broadcast partners, including Marquee Sports Network and local radio stations for both teams. Attention to detail around the star-studded lineups extends to which players might dominate the matchups based on their recent performances.
Marc Roberts, Dodgers' manager, mentions Conforto as his “pick to click” this season, having observed the player’s recent form favorably, where he went 6-for-14 with three doubles and a home run leading up to the opening games. Meanwhile, the Cubs are observing young talents like Pete Crow-Armstrong whose excellent spring performance has drawn the spotlight. He captured headlines with .519 batting average and 1.500 OPS before heading to Japan, showcasing he's ready to make his mark.
This special opening not only ramps excitement around the games but strengthens ties between baseball-centric cultures with eyes across the globe set to follow these historic bouts. The backdrop of Tokyo becomes not only merely home to some of the best athletes scheduled to compete but also highlights baseball's continual growth internationally.
Much anticipation surrounds the lofty aspirations of the Dodgers defending their title and the Cubs' desire to begin anew, pushing toward success after disappointing recent seasons. Can the Dodgers continue their winning momentum, or will the Cubs flip the script? Fans may find out soon enough as these two storied franchises meet on the diamond once again.
All eyes will be on the Tokyo Dome as baseball makes its grand return!
