Major League Baseball (MLB) enthusiasts are in for a treat with the announcement of the 2025 regular-season schedule, unveiled during the 2024 All-Star break. Fans can now delve into their favorite team’s individual schedule available on respective official websites.
International Kickoff in Tokyo
In a captivating start to the 2025 season, MLB teams will head overseas, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs squaring off at the Tokyo Dome on March 18-19. This international series will mark MLB's first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo.
The opening games boast notable stars, with the Dodgers featuring Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the Cubs showcasing Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki. This marquee matchup is set to capture the attention of baseball fans worldwide, emphasizing MLB's growing global appeal.
Historic Opening Day
Following the excitement in Tokyo, the traditional Opening Day will commence on Thursday, March 27. Remarkably, this will be the earliest traditional Opening Day in baseball history, with all 30 teams taking the field. Though only four divisional matchups will occur on Opening Day, it sets the stage for a thrilling start to the season.
The Oakland Athletics will begin their season with a four-game series in Seattle, adding another layer of excitement for fans. Moreover, the Athletics are slated to make history by playing their first-ever game in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, in a three-game series against the Cubs.
Rivalry Weekend
A highlight of the 2025 season will undoubtedly be "Rivalry Weekend," scheduled for May 16-18. This eagerly anticipated event will feature 11 series involving divisional rivals and four series pitting geographic rivals against each other. Notably, some interleague rivals will face off in six-game series rather than the customary four, promising intense competition and memorable moments for fans.
All-Star Festivities and the Draft
Truist Park in Atlanta will be the epicenter of baseball's midseason celebration, hosting the 95th All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15. In the days leading up to the All-Star Game, fans can look forward to the Futures Game on July 12, the 2025 draft beginning on July 13, and the ever-popular Home Run Derby on July 14. These events will showcase the league’s top talents and future stars, making for an action-packed midseason break.
Season Conclusion and Postseason Start
The 2025 regular season will draw to a close with all 30 teams in action on Sunday, September 28. This final day is designed for high stakes, featuring eight divisional matchups that could determine playoff positions and division titles. As the regular season concludes, the postseason is slated to begin promptly on Tuesday, September 30, ensuring fans won’t have to wait long for the October excitement.
In an attempt to bring more international flavor to the 2025 season, MLB had initially hoped to host games in Paris; however, those plans did not materialize. Despite this, the league's commitment to expanding its reach and engaging a broader audience remains evident through its efforts to stage games overseas.
As the anticipation for the 2025 season builds, fans can expect a blend of traditional elements and new experiences. From the global excitement of the Tokyo Series to the historic Opening Day, and from the intriguing Rivalry Weekend to the grandeur of the All-Star festivities, the 2025 MLB season promises to be one of the most memorable and captivating campaigns in recent memory.