The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training schedules have been officially unveiled, generating excitement among fans and teams alike. The two-part preseason ritual, split between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, will set the stage for the upcoming regular season. Featuring 30 teams, this year’s spring training promises a rich line-up of games and unique matchups, offering a glimpse of the intense competition and fresh talent for the upcoming season.
Early Highlights
The action begins promptly with a high-profile clash between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20, at Camelback Ranch. This matchup will not only mark the opening of the Cactus League but will also kickstart the extended lead-up to the MLB regular season.
Fans of the Grapefruit League won’t have to wait long. The New York Yankees are set to host the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, February 21. This game will usher in the spring training season on the East Coast, promising an early glimpse at how both rosters are shaping up during the preseason.
As the weekend unfolds, Saturday, February 22, becomes a significant date on the calendar, as all 30 teams will take to the field for the first time this spring. This full-schedule day ensures that fans across both leagues can catch their favorite teams in action, setting the tone for weeks of engaging baseball.
March Matchups and Special Series
Spring training will also feature several marquee matchups and special series. Notably, the Spring Breakout series, slated for March 13-15, will showcase the thrilling competitive spirit synonymous with MLB. This series provides an excellent opportunity for teams to build momentum and fine-tune strategies as spring training progresses.
Another highly anticipated event is the two-game series between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. This interleague matchup is poised to offer fans an exciting blend of talent from two storied franchises.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25. This cross-league game adds another layer of excitement, giving both teams a chance to test their mettle against distant competitors.
Regional Duels
Regional rivalries will also be a highlight of the spring training schedule. The annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels is set to capture local fandom's attention. The series will include one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, providing a taste of regular season intensity.
Similarly, the Cleveland Guardians are scheduled to play against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals will face the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These matchups offer a preview of in-state and nearby regional rivalries, reinvigorating fan interest and engagement as the season draws nearer.
Global Start
Adding a touch of global flair, the regular season will commence with an international series in Tokyo. The Dodgers and the Cubs will clash in Japan for a two-game series on March 18-19, marking an exciting start to the MLB season. This international spectacle aims to broaden the sport’s global appeal, bringing MLB action to fans worldwide.
Upon their return from Tokyo, both teams will jump back into their stateside spring training schedules. Preparations will continue until March 27, when Stateside Opening Day finally arrives. On this day, all 30 teams will be in action, signaling the official start of the regular season and reigniting fans' passions for baseball across the nation.
The 2025 MLB spring training promises a blend of tradition and innovation, with a schedule packed with compelling matchups, special series, and international highlights. As teams and fans gear up for another thrilling season, the weeks ahead offer a tantalizing glimpse of the drama, excitement, and memorable moments that define baseball.