The Chicago Cubs are set to make history as Shota Imanaga takes the mound as the starting pitcher against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18 in Tokyo. This matchup marks the first time two Japan-born pitchers will face each other in a Major League Baseball regular season game on home soil, with Imanaga's impressive rookie season of 15-3 and a 2.91 ERA setting the stage for a thrilling encounter against Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who recently inked a record 10-year, $325 million deal.

Both pitchers have made significant impacts in their debut seasons; while Imanaga struck out 174 batters in over 173 innings, Yamamoto, who faced an injury setback but still finished with a 3.00 ERA, has been a focal point for the Dodgers since his high-profile signing. The excitement surrounding this historic matchup is anticipated to spark increased interest in baseball, particularly among Japanese fans, as Cubs President Jed Hoyer expressed excitement about the global viewership that Imanaga and Yamamoto will attract.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to make a significant mark in the upcoming MLB season as he prepares to start as the opening day pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. Despite a rocky debut last year and a midseason shoulder injury, Yamamoto bounced back to finish strong, boasting a 3.00 ERA in the regular season and a pivotal role in the playoffs. His remarkable journey in the league is underscored by a lucrative $325 million contract with the Dodgers and serves as a testament to his growth and resilience.

Yamamoto's impressive performance in the postseason, including a stellar game in the World Series against the New York Yankees, has built the manager's trust in him as a leading pitcher in the Dodgers' new-look rotation. This year, he aims to maintain healthy consistency and contribute significantly to the team's success, with aspirations of championship glory once again.

The 2025 MLB regular season will commence with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs facing off in Tokyo, Japan. A highlight of the series could be a matchup between Japanese pitchers Shota Imanaga of the Cubs and Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both entering their second MLB seasons. Yamamoto is anticipated to start the opening game, with Roki Sasaki potentially making his MLB debut in the series, depending on his spring training status.

Imanaga expressed his determination to excel in his home country, aiming to uphold his responsibilities as a starting pitcher. In 2024, Imanaga achieved a commendable 2.91 ERA, while Yamamoto recorded a solid 3.00 ERA across their respective seasons. The series will also feature other Japanese talents, including Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, though Ohtani is not expected to pitch until May.

The 2025 MLB Tokyo Series will see the Chicago Cubs face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a highly anticipated two-game matchup set for March 18-19. Cubs' lefty Shota Imanaga is expected to pitch in his homeland, with a stellar 2024 performance featuring a 2.92 ERA and a 15-3 record. Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts has confirmed his top pitchers, Rōki Sasaki and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, will also take the mound. However, three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani will only serve as a designated hitter after undergoing surgery for torn ligaments.

This will be a crucial opportunity for Imanaga, who has already gained significant acclaim in the league, while Sasaki aims to prove his mettle following an impressive 2024 season in Japan. Yamamoto, who struggled in his debut last season, will seek a redemption arc in his second international start.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged victorious in the pursuit of Roki Sasaki, the highly touted 23-year-old Japanese right-hander, who made his decision public through Instagram. The world champion Dodgers, expected to be the frontrunners, successfully claimed Sasaki during the international signing period, which started recently. Despite interest from the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, Sasaki chose the Dodgers, leaving teams like the Chicago Cubs disappointed.

Cubs president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, expressed his letdown, stating they invested significant effort in the recruitment process, likening the situation to the prior experience with Shohei Ohtani. Hoyer maintained that although they did not secure Sasaki, the Cubs still have a strong track record with Japanese players, hinting at future recruitment possibilities.