"Can we let the Dodgers have one normal spring training?" - MLB analyst unenthused as Los Angeles set to open 2025 season in Japan vs Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will kick off next season’s MLB International Tour Campaign and their destination will be Japan. Following this year’s “Seoul Series” routine, there will be a two-game series playing at Tokyo Dome on 18 and 19 March, while the rest of the games will start on the 27th of that month.

Excitements are already skyrocketing, as some 2023 World Baseball Championship champions will face each other in their home country. The game’s highlight will feature a clash between Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto against Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki pair.

However, Clint Pasillas, co-host of Foul Territory and Dodgers Territory, isn’t happy with the schedule, stating it’ll be hindering the Dodgers' spring training, The team will have to travel internationally to play official games before resuming their Cactus League schedule and rest of season.

“The thing that bothers me somewhat is, can we just, and we talked about it before. Can we let the Dodgers have one, just one normal spring training?... I would like to see the Dodgers just normal ass spring training for once,” Pasillas said on “Dodgers Territory”.

This year, the LA Dodgers and San Deigo Padres flew to South Korea for their first official season game in the middle of Spring Training. The tour turned out a huge success with sold-out stadiums in both games. This encouraged the league to take a similar step next year as well, hoping to connect with a greater audience.

Dodgers could surprise everyone next season

Since acquiring Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers have seen a great surge in tourism and merchandise sales. Several Japanese companies have partnered with the Los Angeles club for greater reach and collaboration.

This became even stronger after adding the WBC-winning ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, making the Dodgers an exciting team for the Japanese supporters. However, as the rumors stand, the Dodgers aren’t done yet.

Another young pitcher, Roki Sasaki, who fought alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto in the WBC tournament, is likely to come to MLB next year. The Japanese flamethrower has already got the interest from the scouts of the Yankees, and Mets. However, the most suitable destination for him might be the Dodgers.

In April, an anonymous GM told USA Today that Sakaki would undoubtedly be a Dodger if he becomes available next year.

“Every team in baseball wants this guy but there's no way he's going anywhere else but the Dodgers," an unnamed GM told USA Today. "We all know it."

If the Dodgers can really make that happen, and Ohtani returns to the mound in 2025, it’ll be a treat for the Dodgers and Japanese fans alike to see their favorites sharing the rotation.

The Dodgers will face the Boston Red Sox from Friday for a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.