March 5, 2025
Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor
As the 2025 major league baseball — MLB — season approaches, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling year. With big teams making aggressive offseason moves, rising stars ready to break out and new rule changes designed to intensify the game, the upcoming season is set to captivate audiences from Opening Day to the final out of the World Series.
This season will kick off in Tokyo, marking the sixth time in MLB history that the league has begun its schedule in Japan. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will face off at the Tokyo Dome March 18-19, 2025, in a special series that honors the 25th anniversary of MLB’s inaugural regular-season games in Japan. The event will also shine light on the global expansion of baseball, as the Dodgers boast a roster that includes reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani and star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom are from Japan. Their presence is expected to draw massive attention from fans across the world, highlighting MLB’s presence on the global stage.
The race for the 2025 World Series title will be competitive, as multiple teams have positioned themselves as dominant forces in the league. The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the season as the reigning champions, having claimed the 2024 World Series title. During the offseason, they made significant additions to their roster, including the addition of pitchers Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, solidifying an already formidable lineup. With one of the highest payrolls in baseball, the Dodgers are locked in on securing back-to-back championships.
On the other hand, the New York Yankees have also made strategic moves to build up their roster. By adding pitcher Max Fried and closer Devin Williams, they have acquired a pitching staff that is capable of shutting down notable offenses. With Aaron Judge leading the lineup, the Yankees have the tools necessary to make a deep postseason run, just like they did last year. The Seattle Mariners, who led MLB in ERA and quality starts in 2024, are also emerging as a serious contender in the American League. Their dominant rotation, combined with a solid core of position players, could prove to be a game-changer in the upcoming season.
In addition to powerhouse teams, the 2025 season will feature various players poised for breakout performances. Shohei Ohtani continues to be the most electrifying player in the sport, having made history in 2024 by achieving the first-ever 50-home run, 50-stolen base season. His ability to dominate as both a pitcher and a hitter makes him a must-watch player once again this season. Additionally, young talents like Detroit Tigers pitching prospect Jackson Jobe are expected to make an impact, with Jobe being a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year award.
The league’s efforts to expand its global reach continue to pay dividends, as seen by the signing of 17-year-old Joseph Deng by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Deng, a towering 6-foot-7 prospect from South Sudan, is the first MLB prospect to emerge from the country. His signing showcases MLB’s increasing investment in scouting and developing international talent in regions that have been underrepresented in professional baseball.
As the 2025 season approaches, the anticipation surrounding MLB has reached new heights. With a mix of elite teams and rising stars, baseball fans have a lot to look forward to. Whether it is the spectacle of Opening Day in Tokyo or the race for October glory, this season promises to deliver excitement. The stage is set for another unforgettable year in Major League Baseball.
Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu
