MLB Tokyo Series – Dodgers vs Cubs: World Series Champ LA Takes on Chicago (Mar 18)

• The Tokyo Series in Japan showcases the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs
• MLB‘s regular season does not start in full until March 27, but these are regular season games
• Two Japanese pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga start for the Dodgers and Cubs respectively
• LA is again a World Series favorite; Chicago hopes to return to the postseason for the first time in 5 years

The Dodgers were the first team to import a major Japanese star by signing Hideo Nomo in 1995. The righty with the twisting, turning motion, and devastating split-finger became a sensation with Nomomania. He won the Rookie of the Year and was fourth in the NL Cy Young Award voting.

Now, LA is again the go-to place for the best Japan has to offer, with reigning NL MVP Shohei Ohtani still bashing at the plate and preparing to return to the mound. They signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto before the 2024 season and Roki Sasaki before the 2025 season. These megastars are being showcased at home against the Cubs.

Chicago has its own star Japanese hurler in the less-heralded Shota Imanaga. Despite Imanaga not sparking the bidding war that the Dodgers’ players did, Imanaga went 15-3 as a rookie in 2024. The lefty finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting, fifth in the CYA voting, and was an All-Star. The Cubs have made significant changes from their 83-79 team a year ago and have high hopes.

LA Prepares to Defend Its Title

The Dodgers did not stand pat over the winter despite winning the World Series relatively easily over the Yankees. They signed Sasaki, Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, and Michael Conforto. An added boost will come from Ohtani’s expected return to the mound.

In the first game of the Tokyo Series, they send Yamamoto to the mound. The righty missed time with a shoulder problem in 2024, but he still ended at 7-2 and was stupendous in the World Series.

Against Imanaga, Tommy Edman is 2 for 3 with 2 home runs. Max Muncy is 1 for 3 with a home run. Ohtani is 0 for 5.

Shortstop Mookie Betts is ill and might not play in the Tokyo Series.

Cubs Hope Acquiring Kyle Tucker Vaults Them Back to the Playoffs

The Cubs’ big offseason move was to acquire star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros. He is a 3X All-Star, a former Gold Glove winner, and has a Silver Slugger. He won a World Series with Houston in 2022. He was limited to 78 games in 2024 after suffering a fractured shin. But he still had 23 homers and a 4.7 bWAR with a .993 OPS.

Chicago is better than they were in 2024, but have they improved sufficiently to catch the Brewers and stay ahead of the dramatically improved Reds? Tucker boosts the offense, but they dumped Cody Bellinger’s contract. They also acquired Ryan Pressly from the Astros to serve as their closer. Their starting rotation is still suspect.

Yamamoto has had success against the Cubs’ hitters. Only Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner have recorded hits against him in 2 starts. He allowed one unearned run in 9 innings.

Dodgers vs Cubs Pick: LA Puts Up a Big W in the Tokyo Series Opener

The Dodgers will be eager to put on a show in Japan, particularly with their stars Yamamoto and Ohtani playing key roles in the opener. They have too much power and patience, even with Betts likely out. LA will win the game outright.