The Major League Baseball season kicks off on March 18, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome with the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Chicago Cubs. This much-anticipated opening game serves not only as the beginning of the MLB season but also marks the first time the league has featured five Japanese players on the field, including Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani and rookie sensations like Roki Sasaki.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed excitement about the series, acknowledging its significance. "Everybody's very aware of the series, that's evident for sure. More people are talking about it, absolutely. That's a great feeling. The players love big events, that's why we do this, that's why we love to do it," he said. This marks not just the first regular-season game of 2025, but also the first all-Japanese pitching matchup on opening day, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto set to pitch for the Dodgers against the Cubs' Shota Imanaga.
Yamamoto's previous season was impressive, boasting a 7-2 record with a 3.00 ERA, and he played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' recent World Series victory. Imanaga, coming off his All-Star debut season, had similarly remarkable statistics, finishing 2024 with a 15-3 record and 2.91 ERA. Together, they headline this groundbreaking game, showcasing the talents of Japanese baseball.
While the on-field talent is stunning, the backdrop of the Dodgers' financial spending casts a shadow on the league's competitive balance. Entering the 2025 season, the Dodgers have built one of the deepest rosters ever assembled, highlighted by their luxury-tax payroll, which hovers close to a record $400 million. This staggering spending raises questions about the sustainability of success and competitive fairness within MLB.
Many see the Dodgers as both a model of ambition and a source of envy among smaller-market teams. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised the Dodgers for their commitment to winning. "The Dodgers have gone out and done everything possible...to put the best possible team on the field, and I think that's a great thing for the game," Manfred stated at spring training media day. The team's financial power has allowed them to secure some of the best talent available, creating what many see as the sport's latest "evil empire." Despite this, there are voices of concern among fans and rival organizations who fear their financial prowess may render them unbeatable.
For the Cubs, the 2025 season brings new opportunities, highlighted by the much-anticipated debut of top prospect Matt Shaw. After being drafted as the No. 13 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Shaw has had impressive minor league seasons and is expected to be pivotal on the field along with other young talent. The Cubs hope his addition will revitalize their lineup and give them competitive edge against the well-established Dodgers.
Meanwhile, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will sit out the season opener due to illness, having lost around 15 pounds over the course of his recovery. Manager Dave Roberts noted the eight-time All-Star's efforts to regain strength, stating Betts might return later during the domestic opener scheduled for March 27. Miguel Rojas is expected to fill the shortstop role during Betts' absence.
The time differences create interesting dynamics for the fans eager to catch the action back home, with the games set to start at 7:10 p.m. local time. That's 6:10 a.m. on the East Coast and even earlier for fans on the West Coast, where kickoff occurs at 3:10 a.m. MLB and its broadcast partner Fox will air the games, making it easier for fans to follow the action.
Not only is this opening game the start of the season, but it also symbolizes the enduring relationship between MLB and Japan, marking 25 years since the first regular-season games were played there; the inaugural games featured the New York Mets and Cubs. The combination of nostalgia and live-action from Tokyo is attracting worldwide attention. The last decade has shown continued interest from Asia, especially as MLB has hosted several series outside of the United States, including venues like Mexico and Australia.
Baseball adheres to traditions, but the physical and financial dynamics of the modern game create new narratives. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reflects on this, stating, “It's about doing everything we can to maintain success. We've talked about this... large-revenue teams have had runs of success but then have fallen off.” This statement underlines the pressure on the Dodgers to perform consistently and the expectations surrounding their multi-million dollar roster.
Although there are concerns about financial disparities and competitive equity within Major League Baseball, the upcoming series promises to bring excitement to fans around the globe. With its historic significance, star players, and the intense anticipation surrounding both teams, the MLB Tokyo Series 2025 is set to kick off another thrilling season of baseball.
Indeed, as the Dodgers and Cubs prepare to vie for early-season supremacy, many will be watching closely, not just for the games, but for the larger storylines surrounding the sport. Will the Dodgers manage to replicate their championship success? Can the Cubs leverage their youth to challenge for supremacy? Fans and critics alike are eager to find out, as the curtains rise on what could be one of the most significant seasons yet.
