The buzz around the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training schedules is palpable as fans eagerly mark their calendars for the first pitches of the season. The schedules, which divide the 30 teams between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, promise plenty of thrilling matchups for baseball enthusiasts everywhere.
A Promising Start
Spring training will commence with a high-profile clash between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20 at Camelback Ranch. This opening game sets the tone for what is expected to be an exciting preseason. The following day, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game on Friday, February 21, adding to the early excitement.
Opening Weekend Extravaganza
The real excitement begins over the opening weekend of spring training, as all 30 teams will take the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22. This will be a chance for fans to see new recruits and established stars alike as they gear up for the regular season. The action doesn’t stop there; teams will continue to play on Sunday, February 23, offering a full weekend of baseball to kickstart the festivities.
Highlights and Special Series
Spring training is packed with notable events that are sure to draw attention. The Spring Breakout series, scheduled for March 13-15, is one such highlight. As the teams get further into their training schedules, matchups like these will give a good indication of their readiness for the competitive season ahead.
Later in March, specific matchups stand out. The Atlanta Braves will play a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25, showcasing cross-country preparation for the major teams. Another anticipated event is the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels, featuring one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, which always garners significant local interest.
Furthermore, the Cleveland Guardians will lock horns with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals will visit the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These matchups not only serve as key preparatory games but also as barometers for fans and analysts to gauge how well the teams are synchronizing.
International Flavor
Adding an international dimension to the 2025 spring training, the regular season will kick off with a special series in Tokyo. The Dodgers and the Cubs will face each other on March 18-19, bringing MLB action to a global stage. These Tokyo games are a thrilling precursor to the main events back in the United States.
Following their games in Tokyo, both the Dodgers and the Cubs will return to wrap up their spring training schedules stateside, ensuring they are primed for the regular season. The rest of the league will continue their preparations, leading up to Stateside Opening Day on March 27, when all 30 teams will be in action in what promises to be a spectacular start to the MLB season.
With a meticulously crafted schedule and a mix of traditional rivalries and special matchups, the 2025 MLB spring training season is poised to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer love for the game. Fans, players, and analysts alike will be closely watching how these early games set the stage for the year ahead.