Major League Baseball (MLB) is set to continue its ambitious international schedule with an exciting lineup of games in 2024 and 2025, aimed at expanding the sport's global footprint and celebrating its international appeal. Fans around the world have much to look forward to with a series of high-profile matchups spanning multiple continents.
Dodgers and Cubs in Tokyo
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are slated to open the 2025 MLB season with an international series in Tokyo, Japan. This two-game series will take place on March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome. The series marks a significant event as it will feature prominent Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the Dodgers' roster, alongside Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga representing the Cubs. This will undoubtedly draw a considerable amount of attention from baseball enthusiasts in Japan and beyond.
This event will be the sixth time MLB has inaugurated its regular season in Japan, underscoring the sport’s deep-rooted connections in the country. The last time MLB opened its season in Japan was a big success, and this upcoming series is expected to build on that excitement.
Global Expansion Continues
Building on the momentum of international growth, MLB has also lined up other high-profile games for the coming years. The Dodgers, who will be a recurring theme in MLB's international narrative, opened their 2024 season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. This marked the first time MLB had opened a season in Korea, further highlighting the league's commitment to widening its global presence.
In addition to the games in Asia, MLB has planned several matches in other international locales. Fans in Mexico City will witness the Houston Astros going head-to-head against the Colorado Rockies, while London will host games featuring the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. These games continue MLB's successful strategy of taking America's pastime to international audiences, fostering a growing fan base worldwide.
Spring Training in the Dominican Republic
The global journey doesn't stop with the regular season. The Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox are set to play spring training games in the Dominican Republic. This move celebrates the rich baseball heritage of the Dominican Republic, a country known for producing some of the sport’s most extraordinary talents. Santo Domingo, the bustling capital, will be the backdrop for this exciting showcase.
Exhibition Games
Furthermore, the New York Yankees will engage in an exhibition game in Mexico City against the famed Mexican team, the Diablos Rojos. Exhibition games such as this one are perfect opportunities for fans to see their favorite players in action in a more relaxed setting, continuing to build the sport's international rapport.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed his enthusiasm for these international endeavors, stating, "Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024." He further elaborated on the positive global reception, "Our recent efforts have produced strong enthusiasm around the globe, and we look forward to building on that foundation with returns to Mexico City and London, while also opening the season in Korea for the first time. In addition, we can't wait to celebrate the tradition of the sport in the Dominican Republic with our visit to Santo Domingo next March."
A Global Celebration of Baseball
MLB's international series not only serve the purpose of expanding the sport’s reach but also enrich the cultural exchange between countries through the universal language of baseball. Manfred encapsulated this vision by saying, "We are thrilled that our fans across four different countries outside the United States and Canada will have the opportunity to see the game's stars."
As MLB continues to break geographical boundaries, the excitement and anticipation for these international series are palpable. These games provide an invaluable platform for showcasing baseball’s global appeal and create moments that resonate with fans worldwide. The upcoming matches in Tokyo, London, Mexico City, and the Dominican Republic are not merely games; they are celebrations of baseball as a global sport that unites fans from diverse backgrounds in their love for the game.