The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season has officially kicked off, providing excitement for fans and exciting matchups for players. The much-anticipated Opening Day ceremony commenced with the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Chicago Cubs on March 18, as part of the "Tokyo Series" held at the iconic Tokyo Dome. This two-game series not only showcases America’s pastime but also provides international flair, with both teams having numerous Japanese stars leading their rosters.
Fans tuned in to watch the Dodgers and Cubs compete at 6:00 AM ET (7:00 PM local time), with live broadcasts airing on major networks such as FOX and FS1, enriching the viewing experience for those eager for baseball action. This celebration of the sport is being dubbed as the start of the MLB's World Tour, representing baseball on a global stage. Prior to their official matchup, both teams engaged with the locals by playing exhibition games. The Cubs squared off against the Hanshin Tigers on March 15 and 16, with the Dodgers competing against the Yomiuri Giants on the same days, providing thrilling interactions between American and Japanese players.
Following the Tokyo Series, traditional MLB Opening Day falls on Thursday, March 27, where 28 teams will officially begin their seasons, culminating the excitement generated by the season's opening games. The Dodgers will return home from Japan to face the Detroit Tigers, and the Chicago Cubs will compete against the Arizona Diamondbacks, ensuring high stakes right from the start.
Among the most spotlighted storylines this season are the challenges several teams face due to sudden relocations and renovations. The Tampa Bay Rays, for example, are set to play all their home games at minor league ballparks after Hurricane Milton caused severe damage to Tropicana Field. Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics have lost access to the Oakland Coliseum following the expiration of their lease and will also play minor league facilities; they will take their game to Sacramento.
On the individual front, one of this season's highly anticipated players is Shohei Ohtani, who aims to accomplish the unprecedented feat of winning his fourth MVP award—a task no player has ever achieved. Other notable players include Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, both chasing their third MVP honors, adding another layer of remarkable competition to the season. Ohtani's unique role as both pitcher and designated hitter makes him key to the Dodgers’ success this season.
Adding to the excitement is the infusion of rookie talent. Many new players, such as Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, and Elly De La Cruz, are stepping up to the plate as the holy trinity of shortstops across the league. Their performances, alongside established veterans, will shape the narrative of the 2025 season.
Teams like the Baltimore Orioles, who adjusted their left-field wall at Camden Yards, are hoping these changes will benefit their players, especially slugger Ryan Mountcastle, who previously lost several home runs due to the wall's position. MLB Statcast data indicated the Orioles lost 72 home runs compared to opponents' 65 last season.
While players like Kenley Jansen sign on for new roles, joining the Angels as their closer, pitchers such as Clayton Kershaw are nearing significant milestones with 32 strikeouts needed to reach 3,000, aiming to join the elite club of only 20 pitchers who have achieved this feat.
Juan Soto’s record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets overshadows discussions about roster changes across the league. Soto’s potential emergence as the Mets' first MVP winner creates additional pressure and excitement for fans. With the competitive nature of this season, teams are re-evaluated based on offseason acquisitions and adjustments, including trades for players like Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, who have historically impacted their teams’ performances.
League dynamics have altered significantly as ESPN opted out of their broadcasting agreement with MLB, which raises questions about the future of national broadcasts for America's pastime. This shift can reshape viewer access to games moving forward.
Teams are not only focusing on the immediate future but also strategizing for the years to come, noting changes at the minor league level, including team relocations to comply with new standards. The Braves’ Double-A affiliate will find itself relocated to Columbus, Georgia, and will play as the Columbus Clingstones, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of these adjustments.
For fans hoping to latch onto the excitement of Opening Day, the Philadelphia Phillies will officially commence their 2025 campaign against the Washington Nationals on March 27, led by pitcher Zack Wheeler. Later, they’ll play their first home game at Citizens Bank Park on March 31 against the Colorado Rockies. With the recognition of key matchups, including rivalry weekends and scheduled series against teams like the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets, fans are set for thrilling matchups throughout the season.
The road to the World Series is closing rapidly, but for teams and fans alike, the upcoming games provide hope, plots to unravel, and tales to tell. The MLB season is more than merely games on the calendar; it is where cherished memories and history are forged, and die-hard fans find their joy.
