The eagerly anticipated schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training season have been released, setting the stage for an exciting period of preparation and matchups. This year, 30 teams are poised to divide their activities between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League.
Spring Training Kickoff
Spring training will officially commence with a marquee matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20, at Camelback Ranch. The following day, Friday, February 21, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the first game in the Grapefruit League.
As excitement builds, the opening weekend promises action from all 30 teams, who will take the field for the first time en masse on Saturday, February 22. The momentum will continue unabated with games scheduled for Sunday, February 23 as well.
Special Series and Key Matchups
The Spring Breakout series, a highlight of the spring training schedule, is set for March 13-15. This series adds an extra layer of excitement and competitiveness, as teams continue to fine-tune their rosters and strategies ahead of the regular season.
The Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs will square off in a notable two-game series in Arizona from March 24-25, while the Colorado Rockies will journey to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25. These cross-state showdowns are particularly anticipated, offering fans unique matchups across leagues.
Adding to the series excitement, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels will reignite their annual Freeway Series rivalry. This year, the series includes one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, giving fans ample opportunities to catch the action.
Among other notable matchups, the Cleveland Guardians will play against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals will contend with the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games are expected to draw significant attention, providing previews of potential regular-season clashes.
International Season Opener
Setting a global tone for the season, the MLB regular season will open in Tokyo with an exciting series between the Dodgers and the Cubs on March 18-19. This international opener underscores MLB's commitment to growing the sport globally and offers fans in Tokyo a rare chance to see top-tier baseball in person.
Following the Tokyo games, both the Dodgers and the Cubs will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, ensuring they are fully prepared for the stateside competition.
Stateside Opening Day
The culmination of spring training leads to the stateside Opening Day, set for March 27. On this day, all 30 teams will be in action, officially kicking off a season full of promise and potential. With meticulous preparation and strategic planning sharpened by spring training, teams will look to make strong starts to their campaigns.
As the baseball world braces for these eagerly awaited events, the 2025 MLB spring training promises to deliver unforgettable moments and set the stage for a thrilling regular season. With teams spread across two leagues and engaging in a mix of domestic and international games, fans can expect a rich tapestry of baseball action over the next few months.