MLB Announces 2025 Regular-Season Schedule, Featuring Historic Early Start and Return to Japan
Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially unveiled its 2025 regular-season schedule, providing fans with a glimpse of what promises to be an action-packed season. Announced during the final day of the 2024 All-Star break, the upcoming schedule marks several historic and exciting events that will be eagerly anticipated by baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
Opening Games in Tokyo
Kicking off the 2025 season, MLB will return to Japan for the first time since 2019, with a pair of games at the iconic Tokyo Dome. On March 18 and 19, the Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs in what is set to be an exhilarating opener. The series will feature Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, along with Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki representing the Cubs. This international showcase not only highlights MLB's commitment to global outreach but also revives the cultural and sporting exchange between the United States and Japan, resonating with fans on both sides of the Pacific.
Earliest Opening Day in History
Following the Tokyo series, the traditional Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, marking the earliest start in MLB history. All 30 teams will be in action, ushering in a new season with high stakes and renewed energy. Among the slate of games, the Oakland Athletics will begin their campaign against the Seattle Mariners in a four-game series. This season opener is especially significant for Athletics fans, as the team will play its first-ever game in Sacramento on March 31, facing off against the Cubs once again in a three-game series.
Intriguing Rivalries and Special Weekends
The 2025 schedule also includes "Rivalry Weekend," set from May 16-18. This special event will showcase 11 series featuring division rivals and four series based on geographic rivalries. Fans can look forward to some interleague rivals playing six games instead of the more customary four, adding an extra layer of intensity to these match-ups. Rivalry Weekend promises to deliver some of the most thrilling and dramatic baseball of the season, with players and fans alike getting caught up in the competitive spirit.
Mid-Season Festivities in Atlanta
As the season progresses, the spotlight will shift to Atlanta, where Truist Park will host the 95th MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15. The festivities will kick off with the Futures Game on July 12, followed by the 2025 MLB draft beginning on July 13. The ever-popular Home Run Derby will take center stage on July 14, providing fans with a showcase of the league's premier power hitters. These events not only celebrate the current talents within MLB but also offer a glimpse into the league's promising future stars.
Final Month and Postseason Outlook
The 2025 regular season will culminate with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28, highlighting eight crucial divisional matchups that could very well decide postseason berths. The culmination of the regular season sets the stage for the postseason, which is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, September 30. Teams and fans will be on the edge of their seats as they compete for a coveted spot in the World Series.
A Season to Remember
The 2025 MLB schedule demonstrates the league's dedication to delivering exciting and meaningful games throughout the season. By featuring international games, historic early starts, rivalry-centric series, and a mid-season All-Star extravaganza, MLB ensures that the 2025 season will be one that captivates fans from the first pitch to the final out. Additionally, despite initial hopes for games in Paris falling through, the inclusion of the Tokyo series exemplifies MLB's ongoing commitment to expanding its global presence and uniting fans from different cultures in their love for baseball. With all these elements in place, the 2025 season is poised to be unforgettable for players and fans alike, promising unforgettable moments and milestones.