The 2025 Major League Baseball season will kick off with the much-anticipated 'MLB Tokyo Series presented by Guggenheim' on March 18 and 19, 2025, at Tokyo Dome. This year, it's the Los Angeles Dodgers, boasting star players such as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, against the Chicago Cubs, featuring Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga.
With the opening game on March 18, the Dodgers have announced their starting pitcher will be Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had a strong performance last season, tallying 7 wins and 2 losses with a 3.00 ERA across 18 games. Yamamoto played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' route to becoming world champions and fans are eager to see how he performs against the Cubs.
The Dodgers will also see Shohei Ohtani starting as the number one batter and designated hitter (DH). His presence on the field always draws excitement and anticipation, but the team will be without Mookie Betts due to health issues. Veteran Miguel Rojas will step up to fill the shortstop position, adding experience to the lineup.
Opening for the Cubs, Shota Imanaga will be making his Major League debut. This young pitcher had impressive stats during his previous season, recording 15 wins and 3 losses, along with a remarkable 2.91 ERA across 29 games and 173.1 innings pitched. Cubs fans are hopeful he can lead the team well starting against the experienced Yamamoto.
Seiya Suzuki joins Imanaga as the Cubs' number two batter and designated hitter (DH) for the game. With high expectations following his performance last season, Suzuki aims to start strong this year to build upon his previous achievements.
Both games are set to commence at 19:10 Tokyo time, marking not just the start of the season, but also the first time these two teams clash on the prestigious Tokyo stage, showcasing the global appeal of Major League Baseball.
Fans will be eagerly tuning in to catch the action live. This series is expected to draw significant attention not just from local fans but from baseball enthusiasts worldwide, as it embodies the growing influence of baseball across international boundaries.
Notably, the 'MLB Tokyo Series' brings excitement not only for the teams involved but also for the fans who look forward to such unique occasions. The Dodgers and Cubs are kicking off this season with high stakes and fierce competition, reinforcing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Overall, this opening series not only marks the beginning of the Major League Baseball season but it also serves as a platform for showcasing international talents and cementing bonds between fans across different regions. The MLB continues to grow, embracing global players and fans alike, making this opening event one for the books.
With anticipation running high as game day approaches, both teams are gearing up to make their mark right from the start of the season. It's safe to say this series will be memorable, promising exciting baseball action right from the Tokyo Dome.
