Baseball fans can finally mark their calendars as the eagerly anticipated schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training have officially been announced. With 30 teams divided between Florida’s Grapefruit League and Arizona’s Cactus League, this year’s spring training promises to deliver exciting matchups and a glimpse of what's to come for the regular season.
Spring Training Kicks Off
The action begins on Thursday, February 20, when the Chicago Cubs face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. This opener sets the stage for a spring training filled with thrilling games and emerging talents. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game on Friday, February 21, ensuring fans on the East Coast don’t miss out on the early excitement.
The opening weekend ramps up with all 30 teams taking the field on Saturday, February 22, creating an all-system-go atmosphere as every team gets a chance to showcase their offseason improvements and prospects. Play continues through Sunday, February 23, providing a full weekend of baseball action to satiate the hunger of fans eager for the season to begin.
Highlight Series and Key Matchups
One of the notable events this spring is the Spring Breakout series, scheduled from March 13 to 15. Although specific matchups for the series will be announced later, it is expected to feature some of the most exciting and competitive games leading up to the regular season.
On March 24-25, the Atlanta Braves will be heading to Arizona to play a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs. This clash between two storied franchises adds an extra layer of interest for fans in the Cactus League. Concurrently, the Colorado Rockies will make their way to Florida to battle the Minnesota Twins on March 25, bringing inter-league action to spring training.
A Unique Showcase
The annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels promises to be a fan-favorite once again. This series, which includes one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, highlights the rivalry and camaraderie between these two Southern California teams.
Other key matchups include the Cleveland Guardians taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field and the Kansas City Royals facing off against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games provide teams with invaluable experience playing in different stadiums and adjusting strategies to varied environments, essential for team building and fan engagement.
International Start to the Season
In a grand gesture to expand the global appeal of America’s pastime, the Dodgers and Cubs will open the regular season with a series in Tokyo on March 18-19. Such international games are a rare treat and serve to bring baseball to a broader audience, celebrating the sport’s worldwide reach and popularity.
Upon returning to the United States, both teams will resume their spring training schedules, allowing them to fine-tune their strategies and roster decisions ahead of the stateside Opening Day.
Stateside Opening Day
Mark your calendars for March 27, as all 30 MLB teams are set to be in action for Stateside Opening Day. This highly anticipated kickoff to the regular season will see teams ready to compete after a rigorous spring training, setting the tone for an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.
As we inch closer to February 20, the excitement and anticipation among baseball enthusiasts continue to build. With a schedule bursting with thrilling matchups, noteworthy series, and international flair, the 2025 MLB spring training is set to be a riveting prelude to what promises to be an unforgettable regular season.