Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, is set to make his debut in the popular video game Fortnite as part of the "Icon Series". This marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first MLB player featured in the game. Starting March 17 at 8 PM ET, players can purchase Ohtani's outfits, which include home and away uniforms, as well as a unique Lego-inspired style. Accompanying the outfits are fun emotes, including one featuring his dog Bobblehead, Decoy, tossing baseballs.

The announcement coincides with the Tokyo Series, where Ohtani will present a special "Samurai Shohei" outfit that ignites with fiery effects after eliminations. As Ohtani prepares to kick off the MLB season against the Chicago Cubs, gamers and fans alike can look forward to this exciting crossover.

The 2025 MLB season is set to kick off with a global flair, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will play in the Tokyo Dome on March 18-19, marking the beginning of the '2025 MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series'. These games will be broadcast at 6 a.m. ET. Following their Tokyo debut, the Dodgers will host the Detroit Tigers, while the Cubs visit the Arizona Diamondbacks. Traditional Opening Day is scheduled for March 27, featuring 28 teams, with notable matchups including the Atlanta Braves at the San Diego Padres and the New York Yankees facing the Milwaukee Brewers.

Additionally, the Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Rays will start their campaigns a day later on March 28 in Tampa. The season promises thrilling matchups, where fans can look forward to pitcher matchups that are yet to be finalized. Stay tuned for exciting player performances as teams fine-tune their rosters leading into the season.

As fantasy baseball drafts approach, targeting breakout players becomes crucial. Focusing on NL outfielders likely to shine in 2025, several candidates stand out. Oneil Cruz from the Pittsburgh Pirates, with an impressive 2024 season, showcases elite power and speed metrics. Meanwhile, Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs demonstrated flashes of brilliance despite a rocky first year. James Wood, also from the Nationals, has the potential to be a five-category contributor. Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants emerged as a power threat in 2024, and Dylan Crews, the top prospect, is expected to make waves in Washington. Each of these outfielders holds the promise of being league-winners if they can solidify their roles and continue to develop their skills.

Modern baseball stadiums are evolving to enhance the fan experience, allowing for socialization and interaction beyond traditional seating. The Toronto Blue Jays' Rogers Centre, after a $300 million renovation, introduced five new 'outfield neighborhoods' with food, drinks, and social spaces. These areas encourage casual mingling among fans, making games more accessible and less intimidating for newcomers. Other stadiums, like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Optus Stadium, have also embraced this shift towards community-oriented designs.

The trend reflects a growing interest in baseball from diverse communities, particularly among younger fans and cricket enthusiasts. Facilities like Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field exemplify how stadiums can serve as multifunctional community spaces, hosting activities beyond game day. The shift towards creating 'third spaces' is beneficial for teams, as social environments can lead to greater revenue from food, beverages, and merchandise sales.

This transformation suggests an important change in spectator culture, prioritizing social interaction and connection within the stadium environment.

The ongoing Spring Training job battles in the National League Central are heating up, with rookies and veterans vying for key positions. The Chicago Cubs have intriguing options at third base, with Matt Shaw emerging as a favorite due to his impressive minor league stats, despite a slow start in spring training. Justin Turner, though a seasoned hitter, may only serve as a temporary solution due to his age and limited past appearances at third base. For the fifth starter role, Ben Brown presents significant strikeout potential, although he has limited MLB experience.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds are sorting through a crowded infield, with Gavin Lux likely to secure a starting role while Spencer Steer deals with shoulder issues. The closer position may be up for grabs as Alexis Diaz recovers from injury, potentially opening the door for veteran Taylor Rogers. The Milwaukee Brewers have Caleb Durbin in the mix at third base, but he must perform well this spring to secure the job. Finally, the Pittsburgh Pirates are addressing their catching situation with Joey Bart expected to start, amid competition from Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez.