The eagerly anticipated schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training have finally been released, setting the stage for an exciting prelude to the regular season. With 30 teams gearing up for action, the annual event showcases Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League—offering fans a first glimpse of their favorite players in action.
Kicking Off in Style
Spring training will commence with a thrilling matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20, at Camelback Ranch. The following day, the Grapefruit League gets its first taste of action with the New York Yankees hosting the Tampa Bay Rays.
The opening weekend promises a baseball extravaganza as all 30 teams take the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22, continuing through Sunday, February 23. This flurry of games marks the true beginning of spring for baseball enthusiasts everywhere.
Exciting Matchups and Series
One highlight of the spring training calendar is the Spring Breakout series scheduled for March 13-15, which will give fans a mid-spring spectacle. Additionally, the Atlanta Braves will face the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series in Arizona on March 24-25. Over in Florida, the Colorado Rockies are set to challenge the Minnesota Twins on March 25.
Another spring training staple, the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels, promises to be as exciting as ever. The series will feature one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, a tradition that fans in Southern California eagerly await each year.
Not to be outdone, the Cleveland Guardians will take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. At the same time, the Kansas City Royals will clash with the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, adding more high-stakes action to the preseason fun.
International Flair and Stateside Kickoff
Adding an international flavor to this year's schedule, the regular season will commence with a highly anticipated series in Tokyo. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will meet on March 18-19 for the MLB’s opening games in Japan. This will be a significant event, showcasing baseball on a global stage.
After their stint in Tokyo, both teams will return to the United States to continue their spring training schedules, honing their skills before the season begins in earnest.
Mark Your Calendars
Fans should mark their calendars for March 27, the date for Stateside Opening Day, when all 30 MLB teams will be in action, launching what promises to be another thrilling regular season.
With the stage set and the dates confirmed, teams, players, and fans alike can eagerly count down to the first pitch of spring training 2025. Whether it's the storied rivalries, the international games, or just the joy of baseball returning, this season’s spring training is shaping up to be a memorable one.