MLB’s 2025 season starts in Tokyo on March 18 and ends in Toronto on November 1. This global journey marks a historic week. Fans often ask: when is mlb opening day?
The season runs from March 18 to November 1. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs kick it off at the Tokyo Dome. The first game in North America is on Thursday, March 27, the earliest ever.
On March 27, 28 teams play. Colorado and Tampa Bay start on Friday, March 28. The Rays play at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Fans can watch on Fox, FS1, TBS, TruTV, ESPN, ABC, and MLB Network. Games are also on HBO Max, Apple TV+, The Roku Channel, and ESPN+.
The league has 162 games per team. There are more interleague games and a Rivalry Weekend in May. So, when does baseball season start 2025? It begins now, with a full schedule and exciting matchups from March to November.
MLB Opening Day 2025 overview: dates, format and what’s new
Fans looking for when does mlb season start 2025 have two answers. The league starts globally and then in the U.S. and Canada. The schedule includes 162 games and focuses on Interleague rivalry series.
What’s new includes two three-game Interleague rivalry sets per matchup. There’s also a mid-May showcase weekend. This supports a balanced schedule and keeps big games on TV.
Regular-season launch in Tokyo and North American Opening Day
MLB started with the Tokyo Series in Japan. Then, it kicked off league-wide in the U.S. and Canada. This split start gives fans two big kickoffs and marks the mlb season start date.
Earliest traditional Opening Day in MLB history
The domestic slate started earlier than ever. Opening day baseball 2025 arrived early, answering when does mlb season begin. Twenty-eight teams played on the main day, with two more following later.
Key broadcast and streaming partners for 2025
National windows are on Fox and FS1, TBS and TruTV, ESPN and ABC, plus MLB Network. Streaming options include HBO Max, Apple TV+, The Roku Channel, and ESPN+. Opening Night is on ESPN, guiding viewers on their TVs and apps.
| Platform | Coverage Type | Opening Day Presence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN/ABC | National telecasts | Opening Night and marquee games | Simulcasts via ESPN app; primetime features |
| Fox/FS1 | Weekend and special events | Select showcase matchups | High-profile Saturday windows and studio coverage |
| TBS/TruTV | Weekly national package | Early-season spotlight games | Expanded shoulder programming and highlights |
| MLB Network | Whip-around and live games | Daytime and late windows | Studio look-ins, analysis, and historical context |
| HBO Max (ad-free tiers) | Streaming simulcasts | National windows via Turner package | Cord-cutter access to select primetime games |
| Apple TV+ | Exclusive weekly games | Select Friday windows | Enhanced broadcast graphics and audio features |
| The Roku Channel | Exclusive matchups | Rotating early-season slots | Free, ad-supported access for featured games |
| ESPN+ | Out-of-market simulcasts | Supplemental day games | Blackout restrictions apply by market |
| MLB.TV | Out-of-market streaming | Every team, multiple feeds | Local blackouts; condensed game and archive features |
Tokyo Series: March 18–19, 2025 (Dodgers vs. Cubs)
Los Angeles and Chicago played at the Tokyo Dome. Fox televised the games, answering when does mlb season start 2025. The Tokyo set was a global lead-in to the main slate.
Complete MLB Opening Day schedule: March 27 matchups, times and probable starters
Fans looking forward to opening day mlb can mark the date and plan their day. The first pitches start just after 3 p.m. ET. This guide lists each matchup, the opening day time, and the probable starters for these games.
When is mlb opening day? Most clubs start on March 27, while two teams start a day later. Use the times below to set alerts and plan your viewing.
Brewers at Yankees — 3:05 p.m. ET (Freddy Peralta vs. Carlos Rodón)
Freddy Peralta and Carlos Rodón face off in their second Opening Day starts. Yankee Stadium will buzz as Milwaukee tests New York’s lefty-heavy power. It’s a great time for commuters in the Bronx.
Orioles at Blue Jays — 3:07 p.m. ET (Zach Eflin vs. José Berríos)
Zach Eflin starts for Baltimore against José Berríos, who is in his fifth opener. The AL East tilt answers what time is opening day for Toronto with a quick start at Rogers Centre. Expect early contact and a fast pace.
Phillies at Nationals — 4:05 p.m. ET (Zack Wheeler vs. MacKenzie Gore)
Zack Wheeler makes his second Opening Day start as MacKenzie Gore takes his first. Citizens Bank Park travelers can clock the opening day time in the mid-afternoon slot, perfect for a late lunch and first-pitch check.
Red Sox at Rangers — 4:05 p.m. ET (Garrett Crochet vs. Nathan Eovaldi)
Garrett Crochet opens for Boston against Nathan Eovaldi, who owns his fifth assignment. Globe Life Field hosts one of the marquee opening day baseball games, bridging the East Coast afternoon into Central time viewing.
| Matchup | ET Start | Probable Starter (Away) | Probable Starter (Home) | Opening Day Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guardians at Royals | 4:10 | Tanner Bibee (1st) | Cole Ragans (2nd) | Young aces headline a balanced Central clash |
| Braves at Padres | 4:10 | Chris Sale (6th) | Michael King (1st) | Veteran vs. newcomer angle draws national intrigue |
| Giants at Reds | 4:10 | Logan Webb (4th) | Hunter Greene (2nd) | Power arm faces elite ground-ball maestro |
| Pirates at Marlins | 4:10 | Paul Skenes (1st) | Sandy Alcantara (5th) | Top prospect meets former Cy Young winner |
| Angels at White Sox | 4:10 | Yusei Kikuchi (1st) | Sean Burke (1st) | First-time openers on both sides |
| Mets at Astros | 4:10 | Clay Holmes (1st) | Framber Valdez (4th) | Houston leans on grounders; New York debuts a new look |
| Twins at Cardinals | 4:15 | Pablo López (3rd) | Sonny Gray (4th) | Reunion start pairs elite changeup vs. command artist |
| Tigers at Dodgers | 7:10 | Tarik Skubal (2nd) | Dodgers (TBA) | Prime-time window anchors the night slate |
| Athletics at Mariners | 10:10 | Luis Severino (2nd) | Logan Gilbert (1st) | Late-night duel for West Coast fans |
| Cubs at Diamondbacks | 10:10 | Justin Steele (2nd) | Zac Gallen (3rd) | Strike-throwers in a hitter-friendly yard |
Colorado and Tampa Bay are idle on March 27 and begin the next day. This helps answer when is the mlb opening day for those clubs. With this March 27 grid, fans can set reminders for the exact opening day time and enjoy a full run of games from afternoon to the final West Coast first pitch.
Tip: If you wonder what time is opening day or need the opening day date for planning, keep these ET slots handy. Adjust for your time zone to catch every inning of opening day mlb.
Opening Day 2025 TV and streaming: how to watch every game
Fans are eager to know when does opening day start and how to watch. With many channels and apps, planning ahead is key. Those looking for when is opening day for mlb or when is major league baseball opening day can also find viewing options.
National broadcasts and Opening Night on ESPN
ESPN covers MLB’s Opening Night, with studio coverage before the first pitch. National games appear on Fox, FS1, TBS, TruTV, ABC, and MLB Network. The Tokyo Series on FOX gives viewers a head start.
For those asking when is opening day mlb and how many days until mlb opening day, tracking the calendar is helpful. Prime-time games might change, so checking MLB’s schedule is a good idea.
Regional sports networks carrying local telecasts
Most daytime games are on team-affiliated regional sports networks. Bally Sports, YES Network, MASN, NESN, Marquee Sports Network, and others cover in-market games. These networks offer pregame and postgame shows with local insights.
Because of blackout rules, in-market viewers should use their RSN or a cable-alternative service. This is important for fans wondering when is major league baseball opening day and when does opening day start for their local team.
Streaming options: MLB.TV, ESPN/ABC apps, and supported services
MLB.TV streams every out-of-market game live and on demand, but local blackouts apply. Authenticated streaming through ESPN and ABC apps supports Opening Night and select national games. In 2025, HBO Max (ad-free tiers), Apple TV+, The Roku Channel, and ESPN+ will also offer MLB games, along with cable-alternative bundles.
Fans can set alerts in these apps for first-pitch reminders. Out-of-market viewers can watch full slates live on MLB.TV. In-market fans should confirm their RSN and national windows.
| Platform | What It Covers | Blackout Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN / ABC | Opening Night and select national games | No local stream without TV authentication | National showcase matchups |
| Fox / FS1 | Weekend and marquee national windows | Subject to regional exclusivity | High-profile afternoon and prime-time games |
| TBS / TruTV | Select national broadcasts | National exclusivity may apply | Midweek prime-time viewers |
| MLB Network | Live games and whip-around coverage | Blackouts vary by market | Fans who like studio analysis and cut-ins |
| Regional Sports Networks | Local team broadcasts with pre/postgame | In-market rights; not on MLB.TV live | Home-market viewers on Opening Day |
| MLB.TV | Out-of-market live games and replays | In-market blackouts apply | Fans outside their team’s home territory |
| HBO Max (ad-free) | Select live MLB games in 2025 | Availability varies by market | Cord-cutters seeking national windows |
| Apple TV+ | Weekly Friday night games | National exclusivity on chosen matchups | Viewers wanting a single, curated slate |
| The Roku Channel | Selected live MLB content | Game availability may vary | Roku device users |
| ESPN+ | Selected live games and studio shows | Subject to blackout restrictions | Supplement to ESPN cable coverage |
| Cable-Alternative Bundles | Live access to ESPN and many RSNs | Market-dependent channel lineups | Cord-cutters who need local and national |
As fans plan their viewing, they can note when is opening day mlb and match channels to their market. Checking listings before the game ensures a smooth experience, from pregame to the final out.
Tokyo Series recap: Dodgers vs. Cubs set the stage for Opening Day
The MLB Tokyo Series 2025 gave fans a sneak peek of the 2025 season. It answered the question of when MLB Opening Day was and set the stage for the league’s start in North America. The series, filled with star players and a packed Tokyo Dome, built excitement for Dodgers Opening Day 2025 and the season ahead.
Dates, venue and why MLB started in Japan
MLB kicked off the 2025 season on March 18–19 at the Tokyo Dome. FOX broadcast the games in the U.S. The Dodgers and Cubs played in Japan, showing MLB’s global appeal. This event set the tone for the 2025 season in the U.S.
Starting in Tokyo allowed MLB to connect fans worldwide with U.S. viewers. It clearly showed when MLB Opening Day was in 2025. The domestic season began on March 27, a week after the Tokyo games.
Starters with ties to Japan: Yamamoto and Imanaga
Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched for the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga for the Cubs. Both were stars in Japan’s professional league and made an impact in MLB. Their game highlighted Japan’s influence on top pitching talent.
Their matchup excited fans on both sides of the Pacific. It built anticipation for Dodgers Opening Day 2025 and the league’s start in North America. Fans eagerly followed how the Tokyo results would influence the March 27 start.
Impact on Dodgers’ and Cubs’ spring schedules
The early start changed the spring schedule. The Dodgers played 23 games, and the Cubs 24, fewer than usual. Both teams broke camp by March 25, aligning with the league’s schedule.
This change meant quicker recovery, roster adjustments, and bullpen preparation. The fast start was in line with opening day MLB 2025. It gave fans a clear idea of when MLB Opening Day was and how it affected the Dodgers’ plans.
Teams, venues and special situations impacting Opening Day
Ballpark logistics shape the first week in 2025. They answer fan questions like when is opening day for major league baseball. Marquee matchups are set, and venue changes affect travel, TV windows, and ticketing.
Why Colorado and Tampa Bay open on March 28
While most clubs debut on March 27, the Rockies and Rays start a day later. MLB gave extra time to get the Rays’ temporary setup ready. This pushed their first pitch to March 28.
Fans will see nearly the full slate on Thursday, with these two teams joining Friday. This stagger smooths operations for stadium crews and broadcasters. It also helps answer when is baseball opening day in markets where logistics push back a game date by 24 hours.
Rays’ temporary home at George M. Steinbrenner Field
Tampa Bay will host games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for 2025. The move required extra preparation for player facilities, camera positions, and fan flow. It influenced the Rays’ schedule.
For those tracking when is opening day for major league baseball across time zones, this venue shift slots the Rays into a clean window after the main Thursday wave. The adjustment keeps TV partners aligned and maintains momentum for opening day tigers 2025 chatter in the AL.
Athletics’ rebrand and temporary West Sacramento home context
The Athletics have relocated operations to West Sacramento for at least three seasons, with the franchise branded as “Athletics.” The temporary home affects travel matrices, divisional rhythms, and early-season rest days.
These changes also guide how fans plan around when is baseball’s opening day and when is baseball opening day, for West Coast starts. As the league balances venues and broadcast needs, the broader schedule centers on that first week’s excitement. This includes marquee debuts and opening day tigers 2025 buzz.
Key storylines and players to watch on Opening Day
Fans eagerly await the start of the MLB season. Opening Day 2025 is the highlight, featuring new talent and strategic moves. These elements will make the season memorable.
Debuts and milestone-watch: top aces and sluggers
Opening Day brought excitement with new faces. Paul Skenes, MacKenzie Gore, and others made their MLB debuts. Veterans like Chris Sale also took the field, showing their skills.
Records were broken quickly. Tyler O’Neill hit a home run for the sixth year in a row. Kameron Misner hit a walk-off home run, and Carson Kelly achieved a historic cycle.
Rivalries and high-impact interleague matchups
MLB’s 2025 season includes more rival games. This adds to the excitement of Opening Day. The season’s early games set the stage for rivalry weekends.
These games are critical for teams. Managers get a glimpse of their October foes. Every game is a chance to gather valuable information.
Rule-change implications for 2025 and Opening Day strategy
New rules changed the game. Now, illegal infield shifts result in a base award. Replay review can also decide on game abandonment.
These changes affect strategy right away. Infielders play more cautiously, and relievers come in sooner. Managers use challenges wisely, making Opening Day even more thrilling.
| Spotlight | Why it matters on Opening Day | Notable Names/Notes | 2025 Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Debuts | Sets tone for rotation pecking order | Paul Skenes, MacKenzie Gore, Michael King, Tanner Bibee, Sean Burke | Early innings management guides workload all spring |
| Veteran Anchors | Provides stability against marquee lineups | Chris Sale, Nathan Eovaldi, Framber Valdez, Logan Webb, Carlos Rodón, José Berríos | Matchup data informs rivalry rematches in May |
| Milestones | Immediate momentum and narrative fuel | Tyler O’Neill’s sixth straight Opening Day HR; Kameron Misner’s walk-off first HR; Carson Kelly’s March cycle | Historic feats underline opening day baseball 2025 storylines |
| Interleague Heat | Elevated stakes with six-game rival sets | May 16–18 Rivalry Weekend frames early tests | Scouting and travel plans shaped from when baseball season starts |
| Rule Tweaks | Penalties and reviews change risk math | Shift violation awards base; abandonment review on overruns | Defensive positioning and challenge strategy adjusted Day 1 |
What time is Opening Day? Converting ET start times and planning your day
Fans are eager to know when Opening Day starts. They want to plan their day around it. With games starting on March 27, knowing the schedule is key.
Early afternoon first pitches and prime-time showdowns
The day begins with games at 3:05 p.m. ET (Brewers at Yankees) and 3:07 p.m. ET (Orioles at Blue Jays). Then, from 4:05 to 4:15 p.m. ET, there’s a flurry of games. Nighttime brings the big games, like 7:10 p.m. ET Tigers at Dodgers.
For those asking, here’s a simple plan from afternoon to night. This turns Opening Day into a real plan, not just a date.
How time zones affect fans across the United States
Convert ET to your local time quickly. Subtract one hour for Central, two for Mountain, and three for Pacific. Alaska is four hours back, Hawaii-Aleutian five.
This helps everyone know when Opening Day is in their area. It’s perfect for commuters who want to catch the first pitch.
Tips for following multiple games and avoiding blackouts
Watch your local team on the RSN and out-of-market games on MLB.TV. But remember, local blackouts apply to in-market streams. ESPN has the national Opening Night game.
Streaming options include Apple TV+, ESPN/ABC apps, ESPN+, HBO Max, and The Roku Channel. Make sure your package includes RSNs and ESPN. Use breaks to follow pitching duels and keep a list of game times.
Conclusion
For those wondering when is the mlb opening day or when is opening day for mlb, the 2025 answer is clear. MLB kicked off with the Tokyo Series on March 18–19, featuring the Dodgers against the Cubs. Then, the traditional season began on March 27.
Twenty-eight teams played on that day. Colorado and Tampa Bay started on March 28. This schedule sets the stage for the 2025 baseball season.
The season will run until November 1, with 162 games for each team. Fans have various ways to watch, including ESPN, regional sports networks, and MLB.TV. But, remember, MLB.TV has blackout rules.
National partners include Fox, FS1, TBS, TruTV, ESPN, ABC, and MLB Network. You can also stream games on HBO Max ad-free, Apple TV+, The Roku Channel, and ESPN+. This ensures fans can follow every game.
Opening Day MLB featured international first pitches and a likely Toronto finish. It showcased top aces, power bats, and rule changes. This made for a crisp start, clear viewing options, and a roadmap for the 2025 season.
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