MLB 2025 Opening Day Set for March 27 with Global Kickoff

Tokyo, Japan — Major League Baseball (MLB) is gearing up for its 2025 season, with Opening Day scheduled for Thursday, March 27, marking the earliest start in league history. The season commenced last week with the Tokyo Series, where the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Chicago Cubs in a two-game set on March 18 and 19.

This marks the sixth occasion that an MLB season opener has been held in Tokyo, a city known for its vibrant baseball culture. Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Cubs’ Shota Imanaga each made their Opening Day debut during this international series.

Following the season’s kickoff in Japan, March 27 will see 28 of the 30 MLB teams take the field. The Tampa Bay Rays and Colorado Rockies will start their seasons on March 28, allowing for additional preparation time at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Fans can look forward to an exciting slate of games featuring star players. Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, will face Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers. Other notable matchups include Juan Soto making his New York Mets debut against the Houston Astros and Garrett Crochet starting for the Boston Red Sox.

ESPN will air an exclusive Opening Day doubleheader, starting with the Yankees versus Brewers at 3:05 p.m. ET, followed by the Dodgers taking on the Tigers at 7:10 p.m. ET. The MLB Network will also cover the Diamondbacks versus Cubs game at 10:10 p.m. ET, with each regional matchup available on local broadcasters.

As MLB grapples with broadcasting challenges following the Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy, fans will need to navigate various subscription options to watch games. ESPN will show 30 regular season games this year, a reduction from previous seasons.

Streaming services providing access to games include Fubo and MLB.TV, which allows fans to follow their team regardless of location, although local blackout restrictions apply. Fubo’s Pro plan starts at $84.99 a month, with additional packages available for greater access.

In an era of change within baseball broadcasting, the return of fans to stadiums adds an additional layer of excitement as the 2025 season unfolds. For more details on specific games and streaming options available, fans are encouraged to check local listings.