MLB Opening Day 2025: History Made in Tokyo as Season Kicks Off

TOKYO, Japan — Major League Baseball‘s regular season officially commenced on March 27, 2025, marking the earliest Opening Day in the league’s history. Last week, the Dodgers and Cubs played a two-game series in Tokyo, which served as the international opener for the MLB season.

The previous Opening Day record was broken as the Dodgers faced off against the Cubs on March 18 and 19, making this the sixth time Tokyo has hosted MLB’s season debut. This year’s fixtures set the stage for a thrilling line-up as 28 of the 30 teams prepared to start their campaigns.

Notably, Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga made their first Opening Day starts during the Tokyo series. Following the international games, teams returned stateside to celebrate the traditional Opening Day festivities.

The full slate of games on March 27 promises to feature exciting matchups, highlighted by Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, going against Shohei Ohtani in a face-off under the Los Angeles lights. Other key matchups include Juan Soto making his debut with the Mets after signing a historic 15-year contract.

“It’s an exciting time for baseball,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred during the pre-season press conference. “We’re thrilled to see so many teams ignite their season in front of fans both locally and internationally.”

All 30 teams will have their games broadcast nationally and regionally, with MLB’s Opening Day triple-header televised on ESPN. Fans can also catch regional broadcasts through local sports networks. Streaming options are available via ESPN and MLB.TV, accommodating a wide array of preferences.

For the first time in MLB’s history, special viewing services cater to an ever-evolving media landscape, offering fans more access than ever before. As per the league’s announcement, “All 2,430 regular-season games will be televised this year.” This includes five teams that now enjoy unique streaming platforms as a result of recent regional sports network transitions.

As for the Rays and Rockies, they will open their seasons on March 28, having delayed their debuts for additional preparation time at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida.

Passionate fans looking to catch all the action can check local listings for game times and broadcast channels. The variety of platforms, from ESPN to region-specific sports networks, allows for comprehensive coverage, though fans are reminded to confirm availability to overcome blackouts.

On a related note, as fans gear up for the regular season, frustrations surrounding recent broadcasting changes emerge. The bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group has led to irregularities in coverage for some teams, leaving fans uncertain about where to find their favorite games.

“It’s certainly been a time of adjustment,” shared Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. “We’re figuring things out as we go, and we hope fans will stay tuned as we navigate this landscape.

With the promise of exciting matchups and the thrill of the season’s beginning, MLB fans worldwide are set to enjoy what looks to be a memorable 2025 season.