In a showcase of long-term planning and growing ambitions, Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially revealed its regular-season schedule for 2025. This announcement was strategically made on the last day of the 2024 All-Star break, stirring excitement among fans and teams alike.
The detailed schedules for each team are now accessible on their respective official websites, offering fans a closer look at the season's layout and must-see matchups. Notable in the 2025 announcement is the international flair set to kick off the season.
Tokyo to Host Opening Games
In an exciting move, the 2025 MLB season will begin overseas at the iconic Tokyo Dome with games scheduled for March 18-19. This marks MLB's first return to Japan since 2019, when the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the season in Tokyo. The opening series will feature the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Chicago Cubs, highlighting some of the most prominent stars in baseball today.
Fans can look forward to seeing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, alongside Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs. This international series not only brings MLB action back to Japan but also showcases top-tier talent in a global setting.
Historic Opening Day
Upon returning stateside, the traditional Opening Day for the 2025 season is set for Thursday, March 27. This marks the earliest Opening Day in baseball history. In a flurry of activity, all 30 teams will be in action, although only four matchups will feature division rivals. The Oakland Athletics, in particular, will start their season with a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners. Intriguingly, the Athletics will play their first-ever game in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, followed by a three-game series against the Cubs starting that same day.
Despite initial plans for additional international games, MLB's hopes for games in Paris did not materialize, making the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs the only international event on the 2025 schedule.
Rivalry Weekend
One of the season's highlights will be "Rivalry Weekend," slated for May 16-18. This special weekend will feature 11 series between division rivals and four series of geographic rivalries. Notably, some interleague matchups will expand to six games instead of the usual four, intensifying the competition and fan interest.
Mid-Season Festivities
The 95th All-Star Game promises to be a centerpiece of the summer, hosted at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15. The lead-up to the All-Star Game will include the Futures Game on July 12, the 2025 draft commencing on July 13, and the ever-popular Home Run Derby scheduled for July 14. These events collectively form a celebration of baseball's present and future stars.
The Final Stretch
The 2025 regular season will reach its conclusion with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. This final day is packed with drama, featuring eight divisional matchups that could potentially decide playoff spots. Following a short break, the postseason is set to begin on Tuesday, September 30, igniting the race to the World Series.
With an engaging mix of international flair, historic firsts, and fierce rivalries, the 2025 MLB season promises to be one for the ages. Teams and fans alike can now start marking their calendars for what will undoubtedly be a thrilling year of baseball.