Major League Baseball (MLB) has made an exciting announcement, revealing the 2025 regular-season schedule during the final day of the 2024 All-Star break. This much-anticipated disclosure includes key dates, notable matchups, and the introduction of innovative elements that promise to capture the enthusiasm of baseball fans worldwide.
A Global Kickoff
The 2025 season will begin with a noteworthy international flair. Slated for March 18-19, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will clash at the historic Tokyo Dome. This opening series will not only kick-start the season but also showcase the talents of star players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs. This marks MLB’s first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened the 2019 season in Tokyo, underscoring the league’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global reach.
Earliest Traditional Opening Day
While the Tokyo games will serve as an appetizer, the traditional Opening Day is set for Thursday, March 27. In an extraordinary scheduling move, all 30 MLB teams will be in action, making it the earliest traditional Opening Day in baseball history. Excitement is mounting as fans eagerly await the flurry of games, although only four divisional matchups are on the docket for this landmark day.
Season Highlights and Key Dates
The Athletics will commence their season with a four-game series in Seattle. In a historic twist, the Athletics will then play their first-ever game in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, leading into a three-game series against the Cubs starting the same day. This unique scheduling will give fans in Sacramento a rare opportunity to witness MLB action firsthand.
Another highlight of the 2025 schedule is "Rivalry Weekend," planned for May 16-18. This special weekend is designed to intensify fan engagement through 11 series featuring division rivals and four series of geographic rivalries. Intriguingly, some interleague rivalries will involve six games instead of the customary four, adding an extra layer of competition and excitement to the proceedings.
Mid-Season Festivities
The 95th All-Star Game will be one of the pinnacle events of the 2025 season. Hosted at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15, the All-Star Game will headline a series of festivities. The Futures Game will take place on July 12, followed by the 2025 draft commencing on July 13. The Home Run Derby, always a fan favorite, is scheduled for July 14. These events will combine to create a festive atmosphere, celebrating the past, present, and future stars of the game.
Season Finale and Postseason Kickoff
The regular season will culminate on Sunday, September 28, with a full slate of games featuring all 30 teams. The final day is set to be thrilling, with eight divisional matchups expected to have implications for postseason seeding. The action doesn’t stop there as the postseason is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, September 30, setting the stage for another dramatic race to the World Series.
Despite earlier hopes for games in Paris, those plans ultimately did not materialize for the 2025 season. Nonetheless, the schedule remains robust and filled with potential for countless memorable moments.
For the most fervent baseball fans, each team’s individual schedule is now available on their respective official websites, offering a chance to plan ahead and mark the can’t-miss matchups on their calendars.
MLB’s 2025 season promises to be one for the ages, rich with international appeal, historic firsts, and unparalleled competitiveness, ensuring that every pitch, hit, and catch will be followed with bated breath by fans around the globe.