Baseball fans are poised for excitement as the 2025 MLB season kicks off with two highly anticipated games on March 18 and 19 at the Tokyo Dome, showcasing the Chicago Cubs against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This marks the first time Japanese pitchers will face each other on Opening Day, with the Cubs’ Shota Imanaga set to throw the inaugural pitch to Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani.
Imanaga, who expressed immense pride and excitement over this historic matchup, stated, "It will be the biggest moment of my career," during the press conference preceding the event. Both he and fellow Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto have earned their spots as Opening Day starters following standout rookie seasons, with Imanaga finishing 2024 with impressive statistics: 15 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 2.91 over 29 starts.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers' Yamamoto, who signed a staggering 12-year, $325-million contract and became the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history, ended his previous season with 7 wins, 2 losses, and 3.00 ERA over 18 starts. This unique matchup is not just about personal statistics, though; it symbolizes the growing impact of Japanese players on Major League Baseball and is viewed as pivotal for promoting the sport's global presence.
Imanaga recalls previous experiences on the field alongside Ohtani, particularly during Japan’s 2023 World Baseball Classic victory where he allowed only one run over two innings against the U.S. "He is the world's best player. I will throw my best pitches, and after, it’s all on him whether he hits or not," Imanaga remarked, highlighting the respect he holds for Ohtani on and off the diamond.
Adding to the excitement, fans can also look forward to intelligent matchups and strategies throughout the series. Cubs Manager David Ross mentioned how having experienced pitchers like Justin Steele, who will pitch the second game against Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki, adds depth to their rotation. Imanaga and Steele had previously discussed handling the pressures of high-stakes games, reinforcing the mental toughness required at this level.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates are also making waves, having officially named Paul Skenes as their Opening Day starter for the upcoming season. On March 16, Manager Derek Shelton broke the news to the 22-year-old during a poignant meeting, telling Skenes, "Congrats, brother," which led to overwhelming support and excitement from the fans.
Skenes, who emerged as the National League Rookie of the Year after winning 11 games and holding a 1.96 ERA last season, is set to lead the Pirates against the Miami Marlins on March 27, 2025. The young pitcher aims to expand his repertoire during this spring training, incorporating new pitches like the cutter and two-seam fastball to keep opponents guessing. His resilience and approach have impressed both fans and coaches alike.
“The body of work over his career is awesome,” said Shelton, expressing confidence in Skenes’ ability to handle the pressures of being the Opening Day starter. “He has the chance to be a dominant pitcher for the Pirates.” With expectations riding high, Skenes assures fans he's up for the challenge and is grateful for the opportunity.
The MLB community continues to see various rotation announcements as teams finalize their Opening Day arrangements. The buzz surrounding the pitching lineup fosters excitement as teams prepare for the regular season. The Toronto Blue Jays have also announced José Berríos as their Opening Day starter, set to launch the season against the New York Yankees. This will mark Berríos' third start on Opening Day, underscoring his importance within the team’s rotation.
At 30 years old, Berríos looks to improve upon his 3.60 ERA from last season and lead the Blue Jays through 162 games. Reflecting on the significance of Opening Day, he likened the experience to the first day back at school, filled with anticipation, pride, and excitement. “I feel happy. I feel proud,” he stated, emphasizing the joy of sharing this moment with his children.
All these headlines contribute to what promises to be a thrilling start to the season, as teams and players alike gear up for this monumental day. Fans worldwide are eager to witness the skill, passion, and dedication displayed by these athletes, making Opening Day one of the most exciting days on the baseball calendar.
