Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially unveiled its 2025 regular-season schedule, with the announcement made during the final day of the 2024 All-Star break. This early revelation gives fans and teams alike ample time to prepare for what promises to be an exciting year of baseball action.
Opening in Tokyo
The 2025 season begins with a global touch, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will face off at the Tokyo Dome on March 18-19. This marks MLB's first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo. The series is set to feature elite talents, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs. The anticipation for this international showdown is palpable, signaling MLB's continued commitment to expanding its global footprint.
Early Start for a Traditional Opening Day
The traditional Opening Day will follow shortly after the Tokyo Series, commencing on Thursday, March 27. This date marks the earliest traditional Opening Day in MLB history, setting the stage for a season filled with groundbreaking moments. All 30 teams will be in action, though only four divisional matchups will take place on this landmark day.
Among the noteworthy series, the Oakland Athletics will start their season with a four-game series in Seattle. Additionally, they will play their first-ever game in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, pitting them against the Cubs in a three-game series.
No Games in Paris
MLB had initially hoped to include games in Paris on the 2025 schedule, but those plans ultimately fell through. Thus, the Tokyo Series remains the only international series slated for the season, ensuring a unique Oriental flair without any European counterparts.
Rivalry Weekend
One of the marquee events of the season, "Rivalry Weekend," is scheduled for May 16-18. This weekend will feature 11 series involving division rivals and four series of geographic rivalries, ramping up the competitive spirit across the league. Notably, some interleague rivals will clash in six games instead of the usual four, adding another layer of intensity to already heated matchups.
All-Star Week in Atlanta
The 95th All-Star Game will be hosted at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15, offering a mid-season spectacle for fans and players alike. Preceding the All-Star Game, the Futures Game will take place on July 12, followed by the 2025 draft beginning on July 13. The Home Run Derby is set for July 14, promising an electrifying showcase of power hitting that has become a staple of the All-Star festivities.
Season Conclusion and Postseason Kickoff
The 2025 regular season will wrap up with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. This final day of the regular season will feature eight divisional matchups, ensuring that the playoff picture is decided in dramatic fashion. The postseason is set to begin promptly on Tuesday, September 30, providing little rest before the intensity of postseason baseball takes over.
With its early announcement of the 2025 schedule, MLB has set the stage for another season of thrilling baseball. From its global opening acts in Japan to the eagerly awaited "Rivalry Weekend" and the midsummer showcase of the All-Star Game, the season promises an abundance of memorable moments, competitive clashes, and historic milestones.