The eagerly anticipated schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training have finally been released, bringing a fresh wave of excitement for baseball fans across the nation. With 30 teams split between Florida’s Grapefruit League and Arizona’s Cactus League, the stage is set for an invigorating prelude to the regular season.
Spring Training Begins
Kicking off the spring training festivities, the Chicago Cubs will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, February 20. The matchup promises an electrifying start to the season, with both teams eager to set a positive tone.
Continuing the excitement, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game on Friday, February 21. This game marks the beginning of a series of competitive encounters that will see all 30 teams hitting the field over the weekend of February 22-23.
Opening Weekend Action
The official opening weekend of spring training will see all 30 teams participating in games on Saturday, February 22. This full slate of matchups will extend into Sunday, February 23, offering fans a weekend packed with baseball action. It’s a time for teams to evaluate their rosters, experiment with lineups, and for players to shake off any offseason rust.
Special Series and Cross-League Matchups
One of the highlights of this year's pre-season festivities will be the Spring Breakout series, scheduled for March 13-15. This series will provide a mid-spring training change of pace, allowing teams to showcase their skills in a highly competitive environment.
Additionally, the Atlanta Braves are set to play a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25, pitting two iconic franchises against each other in an eagerly-awaited showdown. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will make their way to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25, further adding to the cross-league excitement.
The Freeway Series and Other Key Matchups
A staple of the spring training calendar, the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels will once again thrill fans. This year’s series will feature one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, promising a local rivalry that never fails to entertain.
Other notable matchups include the Cleveland Guardians taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals squaring off against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games will be critical as teams fine-tune their rosters ahead of the regular season.
International Opening and Stateside Kickoff
The Dodgers and Cubs will open the regular season with a special two-game series in Tokyo on March 18-19. This international start highlights Major League Baseball’s efforts to expand its global footprint, bringing America’s pastime to fans around the world. After the Tokyo series, both teams will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, ensuring they are in peak form for the domestic start.
Stateside Opening Day is set for March 27, with all 30 teams in action. This date marks the official start of the regular season, heralding a new year of baseball filled with hopes, dreams, and the unpredictable drama that only sports can deliver.
As teams report to their respective spring training camps, the anticipation among fans is palpable. Whether it’s the allure of sunny Florida and Arizona or the excitement of seeing new faces donning familiar uniforms, the 2025 spring training promises to be an exhilarating journey leading up to what is sure to be an unforgettable MLB season.