MLB has just released the schedules for the 2025 baseball season and the Dodgers and Cubs are opening with a two-game series in Japan. I get it between the two teams they currently have four Japanese superstars on their rosters and Kosuke Fukudome might replace Willie Harris as third base coach.

I am hoping the fix is in and it’s really going to be a grudge match between the 2024 NLCS foes. If it isn’t it’s just another series in the middle of March. Honestly, I’m more intrigued by the next two series for the Cubs. They’ll start the real season in Phoenix against the (as of now disappointing Diamondbacks). I’ve never seen a regular season game at Chase Field and love Arizona in March.

An even quirkier early season trip would be the following series when they open up the new ballpark in Sacramento with the erstwhile Athletics. The ballpark isn’t actually new, but MLB has never played there before. I’m already curious to see what the local reaction will be. I’m not sure how wonderful the weather will be in Sacramento in late March.