Dodgers vs Cubs: A Clash of Titans Set to Ignite the 2025 Season

The 2025 MLB season is heating up with one of the most anticipated rivalries in baseball: the Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs. From the neon-lit Tokyo Dome to the historic Wrigley Field, these two franchises are poised to deliver a spectacle that blends legacy, star power, and high-stakes drama. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this showdown promises fireworks—and here’s why you can’t afford to miss it.  

A Global Stage: Dodgers vs Cubs in Tokyo  

The rivalry kicks off on an international scale with back-to-back games in Tokyo, Japan on March 18 and 19 . This marks the first time since 2019 that MLB has hosted regular-season games overseas, and the Dodgers vs Cubs matchup is a masterstroke. The Dodgers, with their $300 million offseason splurge on two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, have cemented their status as baseball’s glitziest franchise. Meanwhile, the Cubs, fresh off a stealthy rebuild, are betting on their mix of veteran grit (Kyle Hendricks) and rising stars (Michael Busch) to shock the world .  

Tokyo isn’t just a neutral site—it’s a battleground for cultural influence. The Dodgers’ Ohtani, a national icon in Japan, will face a Cubs lineup eager to prove they’re more than underdogs. Expect sold-out crowds, viral moments, and a preview of how these teams handle pressure before returning to U.S. soil.  

 Historic Rivalry, Modern Stakes  

The Dodgers and Cubs have a storied history, but recent years have tilted in L.A.’s favor. In 2022, the Dodgers swept a four-game series against the Cubs for the first time since 1965, a feat that underscored their dominance . Fast-forward to 2024: The Cubs stunned the Dodgers in a September series, winning two of three games at Dodger Stadium, including a 10-4 rout where Chicago’s bats exploited L.A.’s shaky bullpen .  

Yet the 2025 narrative is different. The Dodgers have aggressively reloaded, not just with Ohtani but also by poaching trade targets the Cubs coveted, like Rays ace Tyler Glasnow . Meanwhile, Chicago’s front office has focused on farm system depth, avoiding the “win-now” gambles that define L.A.’s strategy. This divergence sets the stage for a fascinating contrast: Hollywood glamour vs. Midwestern pragmatism.  

Key Matchups to Watch  

1. Pitching Duel: Walker Buehler vs. Kyle Hendricks  

   The Dodgers’ ace, Walker Buehler, is a postseason-tested warrior with a 2.89 career ERA. His cutter-sinker combo will test a Cubs lineup that ranked top-10 in OBP last season. On the flip side, Cubs veteran Kyle Hendricks, nicknamed “The Professor,” relies on pinpoint control to neutralize power hitters like Freddie Freeman. Their showdown on April 11 at Dodger Stadium could be a classic .  

2. Ohtani’s Redemption Arc  

   Ohtani’s $700 million deal with the Dodgers was historic, but his 2024 postseason struggles (.235 BA in the NLDS) left critics questioning his clutch gene. Facing the Cubs’ lefty-heavy rotation, including Jordan Wicks, Ohtani has a chance to silence doubters—or fuel them .  

3. Bullpen Chess Match  

   Both teams have bullpen questions. The Dodgers’ relief corps, ranked 15th in ERA last year, must contain Cubs sluggers Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki. Meanwhile, Chicago’s middle relievers, notably Adbert Alzolay, face the daunting task of navigating L.A.’s deep lineup .  

 Why This Series Matters  

Beyond the box scores, this rivalry encapsulates MLB’s evolving identity. The Dodgers, with their endless payroll and global brand, represent the sport’s capitalist zenith. The Cubs, once MLB’s lovable losers, now thrive on analytics and player development. Their April 22-23 series at Wrigley Field will test which philosophy reigns supreme .  

For fans, the stakes are visceral. Dodgers supporters crave a dynasty—their sixth NL West title in seven years. Cubs loyalists, still savoring 2016’s curse-breaking triumph, hunger for a return to October glory. Every pitch, every swing, carries the weight of these ambitions.  

 Final Prediction: Dodgers Edge Out Cubs in a Nail-Biter  

While the Cubs’ scrappy resilience will keep games tight, the Dodgers’ star power and home-field advantage (10-4 record at Dodger Stadium in April 2024 ) should prevail. Look for Ohtani to deliver a signature moment in Tokyo, and Buehler to outduel Hendricks in L.A. Prediction: Dodgers win the season series 4-3, but the Cubs’ young core signals a brighter future.  

Don’t Miss a Pitch  

From Tokyo to Chicago, every Dodgers vs Cubs game is a chapter in baseball’s evolving saga. Tune in, debate the narratives, and witness history unfold. Whether you’re #TeamBlue or #FlyTheW, 2025 is the year to watch—and this rivalry is why we love the game.