American media reported that the opening game of next season between Major League Baseball's Dodgers and Cubs will be held at Tokyo Dome, and both teams have been unofficially informed. If this happens, four Japanese players, including Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, will be playing the season opener in Tokyo.
On the 24th, the American national newspaper ``USA Today'' reported that ``The Dodgers and Cubs have been unofficially informed that they will open their 2025 season in Tokyo.''
Major League Baseball is working to increase the number of international baseball players and attract fans, and is increasing the number of open games and official games around the world, including this season's opening game between the Dodgers and Padres in Seoul, South Korea. .
This is the first time in six years that an official Major League Baseball game will be held in Japan, since Ichiro's retirement game between the Mariners and Athletics in March 2019.
Otani, who underwent surgery on his right elbow last September, is aiming to return to pitching and hitting at the start of next season, and there is a possibility that he will make his return pitching at the Tokyo Dome, as well as teammate pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. is also expected to appear.
Additionally, the Cubs have Seiya Suzuki and pitcher Shota Imanaga, so if the two teams play against each other, four Japanese players will start the season in Tokyo.
Dodgers manager Roberts, whose mother is Japanese, said, ``I know it's not final yet,'' but ``It would mean a lot if that happens.''