Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga to pitch for Dodgers and Cubs in Japan

The 2025 MLB Tokyo Series, scheduled for March 18-19, promises to be an exciting event as the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers head to Japan to open the season. The two-game series is expected to highlight some of Japan’s finest baseball talent, with native players taking center stage on the mound.

Shota Imanaga: Cubs’ Japanese star

One of the key players to watch is Shota Imanaga, a left-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. The 31-year-old was a standout in the 2024 season, making 29 starts and finishing with an impressive 2.92 ERA and a 15-3 record. Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed that Imanaga will pitch in Japan, adding,

Shota's going to pitch in Japan… I don’t think I have a choice, actually.

Imanaga’s performance on the mound has garnered attention, and his role in the Tokyo Series will be a significant moment for the Cubs. He will undoubtedly receive a warm welcome as a native son, representing the homegrown talent of Japan on the global stage.

Dodgers to feature Sasaki and Yamamoto

On the opposing side, the Los Angeles Dodgers will showcase two key Japanese pitchers: Roki Sasaki and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Both are expected to play significant roles during the Japan trip.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in their involvement, stating,

The expectation for both those guys to pitch is real. But you never know. Things can certainly change. But at the outset, that’s our anticipation.

Yamamoto, who made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in last year’s Seoul Series, is likely to start against the Cubs. Although his first international start did not go as planned, he remains a key figure for the Dodgers' rotation. Sasaki, 23, who recently signed with the Dodgers for $6.5 million, is another exciting talent, known for his stellar 2024 performance with Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines. He posted a 2.35 ERA and struck out 129 batters in 111 innings pitched.

While Shohei Ohtani will be part of the Dodgers’ roster for the Tokyo Series, he will not pitch due to an injury. After undergoing surgery for a torn UCL at the end of the 2023 season, Ohtani is expected to return to the mound only in May. Despite this setback, Ohtani’s presence as a designated hitter will still be a significant draw for fans.

Before the Tokyo Series kicks off, the Cubs will face the Tokyo Giants on March 16, while the Dodgers will have their own exhibition games against the Giants and the Hanshin Tigers. These matchups will serve as a warm-up for both teams before the official games in the Tokyo Dome.

The 2025 MLB Tokyo Series will undoubtedly be a thrilling event, bringing together top-tier Japanese players with the international stars of MLB. It’s a moment of celebration for baseball fans in Japan and worldwide.