Major League Baseball has reportedly decided on which teams will kick off the 2025 season with games in Japan.
The league has informed the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs that they will be opening the 2025 season in Tokyo, as reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The plan is for the Cubs to then begin the domestic season with a road trip along the West Coast to minimize excessive travel.
The Dodgers are a logical choice for a game in Tokyo. With Shohei Ohtani on the roster, there is sure to be a lot of excitement and interest for any games the team plays in Japan, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto is also expected to be involved. The Cubs, on the other hand, are set to bring pitcher Shota Imanaga and outfielder Seiya Suzuki with them to Tokyo.
The Dodgers are a frequent choice for MLB’s overseas openers. They started the current season in South Korea, though the trip had its challenges. They are hopeful that a trip to Japan will be smoother.