As February continues, we are a month away from the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers opening the 2025 season in Tokyo, Japan. FOX Sports has announced they will air the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series from March 18-19.
The Chicago Cubs geared up this offseason, adding several pieces to their mix to help them to be more competitive for the 2025 season. Shota Imanaga will likely pitch in one of the games in Japan against the Dodgers. The Cubs also have outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who will be making his homecoming in Japan as well but will likely suit up as the team’s DH, with them adding Kyle Tucker to play right field. The team also signed veteran third baseman Justin Turner, who will provide some infield depth once Matt Shaw is ready to take over duties at the hot corner.
As for the Los Angeles Dodgers, they are coming off from winning the 2024 World Series after defeating the New York Yankees in five games. Japanese phenoms Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki are all prepared to return to their home country to open the season in front of the fans they grew up with. They’ve also added several additions this offseason, adding Blake Snell to their rotation and bringing back Teoscar Hernandez. They’ve also bolstered their bullpen, signing free agents Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott for their late innings.
Both Yamamoto and Sasaki could make their season debuts in the series against the Cubs, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has not ruled out Sasaki throwing in one of the exhibition games against the Hanshin Tigers or the Yomiuri Giants. The exhibition games are scheduled for March 15-16, where the Cubs and Dodgers will play one game against both NPB teams.
The 2025 MLB Tokyo Series will begin on March 18, with the first game at the Tokyo Dome scheduled for 6:10 AM EST. The second game on March 19 will also start at the same time as the first game. Fans interested in watching these games will be able to watch bright and early on FOX Sports.
