MLB World Tour Announces International Destinations for 2024 Season
The MLB World Tour is set to captivate fans around the globe in 2024 as Major League Baseball (MLB) and the MLB Players Association announced plans for four international series. The tour will visit London, Mexico City, Seoul, and Santo Domingo, with each destination hosting thrilling matchups between some of baseball’s biggest teams.
The Seoul Series will kick off the 2024 MLB regular season. The series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres will mark the first-ever MLB regular-season games in Korea. This historic event is sure to attract fans from across the country and further enhance the growing popularity of baseball in Korea.
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his excitement about the upcoming international games, stating, “Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024. Our recent efforts have produced strong enthusiasm around the globe, and we look forward to building on that foundation with returns to Mexico City and London, while also opening the season in Korea for the first time.”
The MLB World Tour will also make stops in Mexico City, London, and Santo Domingo. The Mexico City Series will feature the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, providing fans in Mexico with the opportunity to witness the action-packed games of two formidable teams. The London Series will see the New York Mets take on the Philadelphia Phillies, showcasing the international appeal of MLB. Lastly, the Dominican Republic Series will feature a Spring Training series between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays, honoring the rich baseball tradition in the Dominican Republic.
MLB Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark emphasized the players’ dedication to growing the sport worldwide, stating, “Players have a deep interest in growing baseball around the world. No matter where they come from, players are linked by a passion for our game that transcends different languages, cultures, and nationalities.”
Fans can look forward to the return of games in the United Kingdom and Mexico, building on the success of previous international series held in these countries. The expansion of the tour to include Korea and the Dominican Republic demonstrates MLB’s commitment to reaching new communities and showcasing the best of baseball.
The opening series in Korea will mark the ninth time that the MLB season has opened outside the 50 U.S. states and Canada. It will be a historic moment for Korean baseball fans and a testament to the global appeal of the sport. Both the Dodgers and the Padres have previous experience playing internationally, making them ideal representatives of MLB abroad.
The Mexico City Series will be a highlight for fans in Mexico, as the Astros and the Rockies take the field for two thrilling games. With previous experience playing in Mexico, both teams will be eager to showcase their skills to an enthusiastic Mexican audience.
The London Series will bring the excitement of MLB to the United Kingdom, with the Mets and the Phillies going head-to-head. While the Mets have participated in international games before, this will be the Phillies’ first regular-season games outside of the U.S. and Canada, making it a momentous occasion for the team and their fans.
The Dominican Republic Series will provide a unique opportunity for the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays to compete in the vibrant baseball community of Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic has been a hotbed of talent, producing numerous MLB stars, and this series will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the country.
In addition to the international series, exhibition games will also be a crucial part of the MLB World Tour. With up to 16 exhibition games and 24 regular-season games scheduled in Asia, Europe, and Latin America between 2023 and 2026, fans from around the world will have the chance to witness the skills and passion of MLB players.
The MLB World Tour promises an exceptional experience for fans across the globe and represents MLB’s ongoing commitment to growing the sport internationally. The 2024 season will undoubtedly be a historic and unforgettable chapter in the league’s journey to expand its reach and captivate fans worldwide.