This year Major League Baseball travelled to Mexico and London for games; but next year the MLB has made some major plans to expand international games; including the homelands of some of the game’s biggest players.

Along with returns to Mexico City and London; MLB is adding Korea and the Dominican Republic to the list.

During a commercial for baseball, one of the players is miced up and notes that he was “bummed” he didn’t get any fish and chips in London saying, “in Texas we get BBQ, in Philly we get cheesesteaks, and in London we get chicken”.  With the addition of Seoul and Santo Domingo the players will have an opportunity to sample plenty of new menu items.

For the first time in MLB history, American baseball teams will play a game in Seoul, Korea to open the 2024 season on March 20 and 21 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres.

On April 27 and 28 the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies will head south of the border for some high altitude baseball in Mexico City.

The New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies will travel across the pond to play in London on June 8 and 9.

But before the season begins, the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays will escape some of the Florida weather to travel to the Caribbean for a couple of game in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic on March 9 and 10.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke on the new international games saying, “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. In addition, we can’t wait to celebrate the tradition of the sport in the Dominican Republic with our visit to Santo Domingo next March. We are thrilled that our fans across four different countries outside the United States and Canada will have the opportunity to see the game’s stars.”

Executive director of the MLB Players Association Tony Clark added, “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.  The series announced today will allow fans around the globe to gain a first-hand appreciation for the unmatched skill and infectious enthusiasm players display every time they go to work. We are excited to expand our international presence in new communities and celebrate the game we all love.”

While the games in Korea will be a first for MLB, it is not the first time that the MLB has opened the season outside of North America.  Previously, the MLB has opened games in Monterrey, Mexico; Tokyo, Japan – five times; San Juan Puerto Rico; and Sydney, Australia.