Cubs Set to Make History in Sacramento Against Athletics

SACRAMENTO, California — The Chicago Cubs are poised to make history as the first visiting team to play a Major League Baseball game in Sacramento, taking on the Oakland Athletics beginning March 31, 2025.

The matchup marks a significant moment for Sacramento, which has long sought a major league franchise. As the Athletics transition from Oakland, local media, including the San Francisco Chronicle, have adopted the name “Sacramento Athletics” in their coverage, reflecting the city’s connection to the team.

According to the Chronicle, approximately 74,000 ticket requests were submitted for the A’s home opener, signaling strong local interest despite historical tensions surrounding team relocations, such as the contentious departure of the San Francisco 49ers to Santa Clara in 2014.

“Calling them the Sacramento Athletics acknowledges the city’s investment in the team’s future,” said Christina Kahrl, sports editor at the Chronicle, who grew up as an A’s fan. “It’s essential to support our local team’s identity as they settle in.”

In recent seasons, A’s fans have endured a rollercoaster ride of 100-loss campaigns and financial struggles, leading some long-time supporters to doubt the ownership’s commitment. However, an air of cautious optimism surrounds the 2025 season. Manager of SB Nation’s A’s site, Nico Pemantle, emphasized that the future looks brighter, citing the team’s improved roster and recent acquisitions.

“Don’t sleep on the A’s,” Pemantle stated. “They were over .500 in the second half of last season and have made promising moves in the offseason.”

The A’s have added key pitchers Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs while retaining both core players and promising prospects. “Our rotation may not have a true ace, but it has strength in depth,” Pemantle noted, pointing out the potential for growth with young talent like Jacob Wilson at shortstop and Tyler Soderstrom at first base.

Despite the A’s positive strides, concerns persist about their outfield defense, especially with players like JJ Bleday adjusting to center field and Miguel Andujar returning from injury. “Our bat-first players in the outfield need to step up defensively if we want to compete,” Pemantle said.

The Cubs, having historically faced the A’s infrequently, hold a 9-0 record in previous regular-season road games against them. The series against the A’s will be pivotal for Chicago, who looks to regain their footing after a rocky start to the season.

“We have to use this series to build momentum as we head into our home opener against the Padres,” said Cubs manager David Ross. “We need to take at least two of three in Sacramento to right the ship.”

This three-game series will kick off each day at 9:05 p.m. CT on Monday and Tuesday, concluding with a 2:35 p.m. CT finale on Wednesday, all broadcast on the Marquee Sports Network. As the Cubs look to solidify their early-season standings and the A’s seek to showcase their growth, the stakes are high for both teams.