The baseball world is abuzz with excitement as the long-awaited schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training have been unveiled. This annual pre-season ritual will once again see 30 teams split between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, offering fans a tantalizing preview of the upcoming season.
Spring Training Opener
The action begins on Thursday, February 20, with a marquee matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. This game promises to set the tone for a spring training season loaded with high-energy performances and promising new talent.
Following closely on February 21, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first game of the Grapefruit League. Fans can expect a closely contested game as these two teams look to hit the ground running.
First Full Weekend
The opening weekend, commencing on Saturday, February 22, will see all 30 teams taking the field, guaranteeing a packed schedule of baseball action. The intensity will carry over to Sunday, February 23, as teams continue to iron out their rosters and test strategies in live game situations.
Key Matchups and Series
One of the highlights of this year’s spring training is the Spring Breakout series, which is set for March 13-15. This event always draws significant attention as it showcases some of the best talents and competitive matchups.
A memorable showdown is scheduled for March 24-25, when the Atlanta Braves will face off against the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series in Arizona. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida on March 25 to take on the Minnesota Twins, adding another layer of excitement with interleague action.
Fans in California will be eagerly anticipating the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. This series will span three games, with one at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, allowing both teams to showcase their strengths in front of home crowds.
Other notable matchups include the Cleveland Guardians going head-to-head against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field and the Kansas City Royals taking on the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games are expected to be highly competitive and will be critical in assessing team performances and player readiness.
International Opener
In a unique twist for the 2025 season, the regular season will have its grand opening in Tokyo, Japan. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will play a two-game series on March 18-19, bringing international flair and expanding the global appeal of Major League Baseball. This initiative demonstrates MLB's commitment to growing the sport's global fan base.
Following their international stint, both teams will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, ensuring they are in peak condition for the stateside opening.
Stateside Opening Day
Mark your calendars for March 27, when all 30 MLB teams will be in action for the stateside Opening Day. This is the moment fans and players have been eagerly awaiting, as each team begins its journey through the grueling 162-game regular season.
With a packed schedule, thrilling matchups, and the added excitement of an international opener, the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training promises to be one of the most exhilarating pre-seasons yet. Fans and players alike are gearing up for what is sure to be another memorable year in baseball history.