Where to Watch MLB Tokyo Series Cubs vs Dodgers Game 1
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The 2025 MLB season kicks off with an international showdown as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs face off in the Tokyo Series. With Shohei Ohtani making his season debut, Yoshinobu Yamamoto taking the mound, and the Cubs looking to spoil the party with Shota Imanaga, this is a must-watch game for baseball fans worldwide. Here’s how to watch, key details, and betting insights for Game 1.
Cubs vs Dodgers Tokyo Series Game 1 Details
- Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
- Time: 6:10 AM ET
- Location: Tokyo Dome – Tokyo, Japan
- TV Broadcast: Fox, FS1, Fox Deportes
- In-Market TV: Spectrum SportsNet (Dodgers), Marquee Sports Network (Cubs)
- Streaming: Fubo
- Follow: SportsGrid App (Download Here)
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Cubs vs Dodgers Tokyo Series Game 1 Odds & Insights
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodgers (Yamamoto) | -1.5 (+114) | -154 | Over 7.5 (-122) |
| Cubs (Imanaga) | +1.5 (-137) | +130 | Under 7.5 (+100) |
Odds Subject to Change. Check Here for the Latest, Most Up-to-Date Lines.
-Yamamoto makes his season debut for the Dodgers, facing off against tough lefty Shota Imanaga for the Cubs.
-The Dodgers are slight favorites despite the neutral site and Imanaga’s familiarity with pitching in Japan.
-The over/under sits at 7.5 runs, with early money leaning towards the under in a matchup featuring two strong pitchers.
Tokyo Series Key MLB Players to Watch
Los Angeles Dodgers
-Shohei Ohtani (DH): Making his highly anticipated season debut back home in Japan, Shohei Ohtani is coming off a historic campaign in which he became the first MLB player to hit 50+ home runs and steal 50+ bases. Can he deliver in his first game back in Japan?
-Freddie Freeman (1B): Hitting .282 last season with 22 home runs and 89 RBI, Freddie Freeman remains a consistent force in the lineup.
-Teoscar Hernández (OF): A power threat who had a fantastic year last season, Teoscar Hernandez hit 33 home runs and had 99 RBI in 2024.
Chicago Cubs
-Michael Busch (1B): Hitting .333 against the Dodgers in 2024, with two home runs and eight RBI, Michael Busch will look to do damage against his former team.
-Seiya Suzuki (OF): One of the Cubs’ best hitters, returning to Japan, Seiya Suzuki could have a big series for Chicago.
–All eyes will be on Chicago’s huge offseason get, Kyle Tucker, making his Cubs debut. The former Houston Astros slugger hit at least 29 home runs in each of his first three full-time seasons and was well on his way to a new career-best before getting hurt last year. Tucker, one of the game’s best young hitters, had 23 home runs in just 78 games last year.
Tokyo Series Team Outlooks
Los Angeles Dodgers
-2024 Record: 98-64 (Won NL West)
-Key Stats: second in MLB in runs scored (842), first in OPS (.781), and third in home runs (233).
-Pitching Strength: Finished 13th in MLB with a 3.90 ERA but bolstered the staff with Yamamoto, who went 7-2 with 105 Ks and a 3.00 ERA in 90 innings pitched in 2024.
Chicago Cubs
-2024 Record: 77-85 (4th in NL Central)
-Key Stats: 12th in MLB in runs (736) and sixth with 546 walks in 2024
Pitching Strength: 10th-best ERA (3.78) in MLB last season, though bullpen depth remains a concern.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
Cubs vs Dodgers GM 1 Most Bet Player Props
-Freddie Freeman Over 0.5 Hits (-210) – A contact machine, Freeman should put the ball in play.
-No Run First Inning (-135) – Two elite pitchers making their MLB/Tokyo debuts could lead to a slow start.
-Shohei Ohtani Over 0.5 Home Runs (+225) – Huge value in a return to Japan, where he’s beloved.
-Michael Busch Under 0.5 Bases (-110) – Facing Yamamoto could make it challenging for Busch to produce.
-Max Muncy Under 0.5 Bases (+100) – This is a tough matchup for Max Muncy against a lefty in Imanaga.
The Tokyo Series opener brings a mix of elite pitching, high-profile debuts, and international excitement. Can Ohtani make a statement? Will Yamamoto shine in his first start? Can the Cubs pull off an early-season upset? Tune in early Tuesday morning to find out!
