The anticipation for the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is already building, as the league chose the final day of the 2024 All-Star break to unveil the regular-season schedule. While each team has made their schedule available on their respective websites, certain standout events and matchups are generating significant buzz around the league.
International Opening in Tokyo
Setting an exciting tone for the upcoming season, MLB will kick off its 2025 campaign abroad, marking a return to Japan for the first time since 2019. On March 18-19, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will clash at the Tokyo Dome in a series that promises to be a spectacle. Fans in Japan will have the opportunity to see their homegrown talents shine on the international stage—Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs, will all take the field in Tokyo. This star-studded lineup of Japanese players playing in front of their countrymen adds a layer of excitement and significance to the opening games.
Historic Early Opening Day
Back on American soil, the traditional Opening Day will take place on Thursday, March 27, which will be the earliest Opening Day in baseball history. In a break from the norm, all 30 teams are scheduled to be in action on Opening Day. Although only four games will feature divisional matchups, baseball fans across the country can look forward to a full slate of games to start the season.
Specific matchups highlighted on Opening Day include the Oakland Athletics facing off against the Seattle Mariners in a four-game series. Adding another layer of intrigue, the Athletics will make their first-ever appearance in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, before taking on the Cubs in a three-game series. This historic scheduling reflects MLB's ongoing effort to expand its geographical footprint and engage new fan bases.
No Paris, But Plenty of Rivalries
While there was initial hope for games to be played in Paris, those plans unfortunately did not materialize. As of now, the Tokyo series remains the sole international outing on the 2025 schedule. However, MLB has ensured the domestic season will be filled with its own brand of excitement.
One of the standout moments of the season will be "Rivalry Weekend," scheduled for May 16-18. During this weekend, fans can look forward to 11 series featuring divisional rivals and four series of geographic rivalries. To add even more intensity, several interleague rivals will square off in six-game series, rather than the customary four games, heightening the stakes and drama.
Midsummer Classic in Atlanta
The midseason festivities will see Atlanta's Truist Park host the 95th All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15. As part of the All-Star break celebrations, the Futures Game will take place on July 12, followed by the 2025 MLB draft starting on July 13. The Home Run Derby, an annual fan favorite, is slated for July 14. These events are not only a showcase of the league’s top talent but also a nod to the future stars of the game.
Season Concludes with High-Drama
The regular season is scheduled to come to a close with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. This final day promises to be a thrilling culmination, featuring eight divisional matchups that could have significant implications for the postseason. The playoff race, as always, will likely come down to the last few games, with teams striving to secure their spots.
Following this dramatic finale, the postseason will commence just two days later, on Tuesday, September 30, beginning the pursuit of the World Series trophy. It sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and competitive October.
In conclusion, the 2025 MLB season is packed with notable events and historic firsts, from an early Opening Day to international games, rivalry matchups, and the All-Star Game festivities in Atlanta. As fans eagerly await the return of baseball, the unveiled schedule ensures there will be no shortage of excitement and memorable moments throughout the year.