Major League Baseball (MLB) has revealed the 2025 regular-season schedule, adding an extra layer of anticipation as fans look forward to the final act of the 2024 All-Star break. Each team's specific schedule has now been released on their official websites, offering a preview of the thrilling matchups and significant milestones slated for the upcoming year.
Headlining the start of the season, MLB will commence the 2025 campaign with a special overseas series at the iconic Tokyo Dome, scheduled for March 18-19. This international spectacle will see the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Chicago Cubs in an exciting two-game stretch that marks MLB's first return to Japan since the 2019 season opener between the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners. Fans in Japan will have the unique opportunity to witness stars such as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers, alongside Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs, showcasing their talents on an international stage.
Following the Tokyo kickoff, the traditional Opening Day will officially begin on Thursday, March 27. This date makes history as the earliest traditional Opening Day ever held in Major League Baseball. In a departure from the norm, all 30 MLB teams will be in action, although only four divisional matchups will take place on this day. Among the notable games, the Athletics will embark on a four-game series in Seattle, setting the stage for an intense season-long rivalry. Additionally, the Athletics are set to make their inaugural appearance in Sacramento on Monday, March 31, facing off against the Cubs in a three-game series.
While the Tokyo Series remains the sole international fixture on the 2025 schedule, MLB initially had broader ambitions, including potential games in Paris. Unfortunately, those plans did not materialize, leaving the Tokyo Series as the highlight of MLB's overseas engagement for the year.
The 2025 season will also see the introduction of "Rivalry Weekend," slated for May 16-18. This special weekend will feature 11 series involving division rivals and four series of geographic rivalries, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the regular season. Interestingly, some interleague rivalries will be extended to six games, deviating from the customary four-game sets and promising fans even more thrilling competition.
The summer centerpiece of the MLB calendar, the 95th All-Star Game, will be hosted at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15. Leading up to the main event, the Futures Game will take place on July 12, providing a glimpse of the sport’s rising talent. The 2025 draft will commence on July 13, offering teams a chance to shape their future rosters. Additionally, the ever-popular Home Run Derby is set for July 14, promising a showcase of power hitting and spirited showdowns among baseball's top sluggers.
The regular season is scheduled to wrap up with a full slate of action on Sunday, September 28, as all 30 teams take the field. The final day will be highlighted by eight divisional matchups, setting the stage for potential high-stakes clashes as teams vie for postseason positioning. The excitement will continue with the postseason set to begin on Tuesday, September 30, culminating another year of unforgettable moments and fierce competition in Major League Baseball.