For baseball enthusiasts, the wait is over. The schedules for the highly anticipated 2025 Major League Baseball spring training have been unveiled, sparking excitement among fans and players alike. The annual tradition sees 30 teams divided between Florida’s Grapefruit League and Arizona’s Cactus League, offering a tantalizing preview of the upcoming season.
Spring Training Kickoff
The action is set to begin on Thursday, February 20, with a captivating matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. This game will not only signal the start of spring training, but it will also set the tone for a series of exhilarating contests that lie ahead.
The following day, Friday, February 21, the spotlight shifts to Florida where the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the inaugural Grapefruit League game. Fans at both venues are expected to turn out in droves, eager to see their favorite teams and players back in action after the offseason.
Opening Weekend Festivities
The excitement will build throughout the opening weekend, as all 30 teams take the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22. This day promises to be a baseball bonanza, featuring games in both Arizona and Florida. The action doesn’t stop there, with teams continuing to showcase their talents on Sunday, February 23.
Special Series and Key Matchups
A significant highlight of the spring training calendar is the Spring Breakout series, scheduled for the weekend of March 13-15. This series always brings a unique flavor to the training schedule, with teams often showcasing up-and-coming talent and fine-tuning their strategies as Opening Day approaches.
One of the key matchups to watch will be a two-game series between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. Additionally, the Colorado Rockies will make a noteworthy trip to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25, bringing a rare interleague taste to spring training.
The Freeway Series Returns
No spring training would be complete without the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. This year’s series will feature one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, providing fans in Southern California three opportunities to witness this local rivalry.
Meanwhile, other compelling games include the Cleveland Guardians taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field and the Kansas City Royals facing the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
A Global Start to the Regular Season
In a major highlight of the 2025 schedule, the MLB regular season will open with a series in Tokyo, Japan. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will clash on March 18-19, marking the return of Major League Baseball to an international stage. These games are expected to draw substantial attention both from local fans in Tokyo and from the global baseball community.
Following their stint in Tokyo, both the Dodgers and the Cubs will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, ensuring they are primed and ready for Stateside Opening Day. Set for March 27, this day will see all 30 teams in action, signaling the official start of the 2025 regular season and promising a feast of baseball for fans across the country.
Spring training is an essential and beloved part of the baseball calendar, providing a unique opportunity for fans to get up close with their favorite teams in a more intimate setting. It also allows teams to evaluate their rosters, giving prospects a chance to shine and veterans the opportunity to refine their form ahead of the regular season.
With a slew of exciting matchups and events lined up, the 2025 spring training is shaping up to be an unforgettable prelude to another thrilling MLB season.