The 2025 MLB season is officially underway as the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome, marking the beginning of the season and setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling year of baseball. This year’s season opener not only follows the tradition of kicking off with international games; it also highlights the increasing globalization of the game, with major stars from Japan taking center stage.
On March 18, 2025, the Dodgers and Cubs are set to play against each other twice, with the first pitch slated for 6:10 AM ET. This game will count as part of the regular season before the rest of the league gets underway on March 27. This matchup marks the tenth time MLB has opened its season outside the U.S. or Canadian mainland, demonstrating the sport's growing reach.
Last year, the Dodgers began their season with two games against the San Diego Padres, held in Seoul, South Korea. The team went on to split those games and eventually clinched the World Series title, showcasing their strength on international soil. Now, as they prepare to face the Cubs, they carry with them high expectations, especially with key players like Shohei Ohtani, who make their return to Japan, the country of their roots.
This year’s game is particularly exciting as it will feature star pitchers from Japan. On the mound for the Dodgers is 26-year-old Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had impressive rookie stats last season with a 7-2 record and 3.00 ERA across 90 innings pitched, with 105 strikeouts. His performance will be pivotal as the team seeks to secure its momentum early this season.
The Cubs counter with Shota Imanaga, who dominated as well with impressive numbers of his own, finishing last season with a 15-3 record and 2.91 ERA, which earned him NL All-Star honors. The matchup of these two Japanese stars is expected to be one of the highlights of the opening series and could draw significant attention from fans both domestically and abroad.
Adding to the excitement, Dodgers’ designated hitter Shohei Ohtani returns to Tokyo after making history as the first full-time designated hitter to win the MVP award, doing so last season with the Dodgers. His contributions are anticipated not just on the field but also as part of the growing MLB presence within Japan. Fans eagerly await to see if he can replicate his past success, building on last season’s stats where he hit .310 with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs.
Despite the thrilling lineup, the Dodgers face the challenge of playing without shortstop Mookie Betts, who is sidelined due to illness. Betts' absence is significant, as he is one of the pivotal players on the Dodgers’ roster. Manager Dave Roberts indicated Betts has lost 15 pounds due to his condition and is being sent back for greater care, with hopes he will return for the Dodgers’ home opener against the Detroit Tigers on March 27.
Though the Cubs tied for second place within the National League Central division last year with 83 wins, they come to Tokyo with renewed strength and prospects, bolstered by acquiring right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros during the offseason. Tucker proved his worth with consistent performance, averaging 30 home runs and 104 RBIs over his last few full seasons. The Cubs are banking on his impact to help shore up their offense as they look to improve upon last year’s finish.
Ahead of the opening games, the teams have played warm-up matches against local Japanese teams, allowing them to acclimate to the conditions at the Tokyo Dome, regarded as one of the keystones of baseball culture in Japan.
Along with the well-known stars, the games are also showcasing up-and-coming talent like Dodgers rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki, who is scheduled to debut on the mound for the second game against the Cubs on March 19. Sasaki’s potential has sent ripples throughout the baseball community; many liken his career path to current stars due to his extraordinary pitching talent showcased during high school.
While both teams aim for victory, this event goes beyond mere sports competition. It also marks the cultural significance of baseball’s relationship with Japan, demonstrating how the sport both encourages and celebrates international bonds. Dodgers General Manager Andrew Friedman emphasized this commitment, noting the franchise's focus on fostering their Japanese presence and how integral it has been to build the franchise’s identity—"painting Japan blue," as he described it.
The eyes of fans around the world, especially those in Japan, will be glued to this season-opening series, eager to witness whether the defending champions can launch their quest for repeat glory amid the excitement of the Tokyo atmosphere. With engaging narratives swirling around many star players, this year’s MLB season opener promises to be both thrilling and culturally significant, leaving lasting impressions on fans as the games commence.
