Mar 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) returns to the dugout during the second inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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2025 MLB Tokyo Series: Schedule, Key Players, and Live Streaming Details

Everything you need to know about the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series is here:

The 2025 Major League Baseball season is set to kick off in grand fashion as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs face off in the Tokyo Series at the iconic Tokyo Dome. This two-game series, presented by Guggenheim, will take place on March 18 and 19, marking another milestone in MLB’s ongoing effort to expand its global footprint.

A homecoming for Japan’s stars

One of the most compelling storylines of the Tokyo Series is the homecoming of several Japanese stars, headlined by Shohei Ohtani. The two-way sensation will take the field in front of his home country fans for the first time since signing his record-breaking $700 million deal with the Dodgers.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Massive Crowd Welcomes Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani in Japan for Tokyo Series

Ohtani will be joined by fellow Japanese standouts Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki on the Dodgers’ side, while the Cubs will feature Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki.

Schedule 2025 MLB Tokyo Series

Before the official season-opening series, both teams will play exhibition games against Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) teams at Tokyo Dome:

March 15: Cubs vs. Hanshin Tigers (12 PM JST), Giants vs. Dodgers (7 PM JST)
March 16: Dodgers vs. Hanshin Tigers (12 PM JST), Giants vs. Cubs (7 PM JST)

The main event – the official MLB regular-season openers:

March 18: Dodgers vs. Cubs – 7:10 PM JST (6:10 AM ET)
March 19: Dodgers vs. Cubs – 7:10 PM JST (6:10 AM ET)

How to watch 2025 MLB Tokyo Series

Fans worldwide will be able to catch the action live. Game 1 (March 18) will be broadcast on FOX, while Game 2 (March 19) will air on FS1. Additionally, both games will be available on the teams’ regional sports networks – SportsNet LA (Dodgers) and Marquee Sports Network (Cubs) – as well as MLB.TV, though blackout restrictions may apply. Exhibition games will also be available on Marquee, SportsNet LA, and MLB.TV.

ALSO READ: Which MLB team will shock everyone in 2025?

Key players to watch in 2025 MLB Tokyo Series

Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers, DH)

The biggest name as one would imagine, who is practically responsible for making this international tour bigger than life. Returning to Japan as a World Series champion, Ohtani is coming off a historic season in which he became the first player to hit at least 50 home runs and steal at least 50 bases. After undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, he is expected to start at DH in the Tokyo Series.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers, RHP)

The 26-year-old ace will start Game 1 for the Dodgers. After a strong debut MLB season (7-2, 3.00 ERA), Yamamoto is set to showcase the dominance that earned him a $325 million deal after seven standout years with the Orix Buffaloes.

Roki Sasaki (Dodgers, RHP)

At just 23, Sasaki is making his highly anticipated MLB debut. Known for his blistering fastball and devastating splitter, he turned heads in spring training with a dominant outing. Though he signed a minor league deal due to MLB’s international signing rules, he is expected to be part of the Dodgers’ rotation.

Seiya Suzuki (Cubs, OF/DH)

A key piece of the Cubs’ offense, Suzuki is coming off a career-best MLB season, hitting .283 with 21 home runs and 73 RBIs. With the addition of Kyle Tucker, Suzuki may see more time at DH this season.

Shota Imanaga (Cubs, LHP)

The Cubs’ ace and Game 1 starter, Imanaga made an immediate impact in 2024, earning an NL All-Star nod and finishing with a 15-3 record and 2.91 ERA. Though he lacks an overpowering fastball, his command and splitter make him a formidable opponent.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of MLB’s first regular-season games in Japan, which featured the Cubs and Mets in the 2000 season opener. The Tokyo Series continues MLB’s commitment to global expansion, following international events in Seoul, London, Mexico City, and Santo Domingo last year.

What’s next on the MLB international calendar?

MLB’s international presence extends beyond Japan. Later in March, the Boston Red Sox will take on the Sultanes de Monterrey in a two-game exhibition series in Mexico on March 24-25.

Cubs

Dodgers

Opening Day 2025

Tokyo Series

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.