The eagerly anticipated schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training have finally been released, marking the start of another exciting season for baseball fans. The 30 MLB teams are divided between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, setting the stage for a variety of matchups that will showcase both seasoned talent and emerging prospects before the regular season begins.
Spring Training Kickoff
The action will begin with a high-profile matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20, at Camelback Ranch. This game promises to be an exciting start to the spring training season, featuring two teams with rich histories and stellar rosters. The following day, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game, continuing the momentum and giving fans an early look at the powerhouse Yankees lineup.
By Saturday, February 22, all 30 teams will take the field, delighting fans across Florida and Arizona. The excitement will carry over into Sunday, February 23, ensuring a weekend packed with baseball action that fans have been eagerly awaiting.
Key Series and Matchups
Several key series and matchups are on the horizon for the upcoming spring training period. One of the highlights will be the Spring Breakout series scheduled for March 13-15. This series will capture the essence of spring training excitement and offer fans a glimpse of what to expect in the regular season.
The Atlanta Braves will take part in a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. Simultaneously, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25, providing an interesting twist as the Rockies make an unusual spring training trip across the country.
Another highly-anticipated event is the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. This series, a staple in spring training, will include one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium. The in-town rivalry always creates a buzz, drawing fans who are eager to see their teams clash in a friendly yet competitive environment.
Interleague Play Highlights
Interleague play will also receive its share of the spotlight during the 2025 spring training. The Cleveland Guardians are set to play against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, while the Kansas City Royals will face off against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These matchups provide a taste of interleague rivalries that fans look forward to during the regular season.
Global Opening Day
The regular season will take on a global flavor as it opens in Tokyo with a series between the Dodgers and the Cubs on March 18-19. This international event highlights MLB's growing global reach and commitment to engaging baseball fans around the world. After the games in Tokyo, both teams will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, allowing them to fine-tune their preparations for the Stateside Opening Day.
Stateside Opening Day
Stateside Opening Day is set for March 27, with all 30 teams taking the field for the first official games of the 2025 regular season. This day marks the beginning of a new chapter in MLB history, filled with the promise of unforgettable moments, dramatic comebacks, and standout performances.
As teams gear up for their spring training schedules, fans across the country and around the world eagerly await the return of America's pastime. With a mix of exciting matchups, historic rivalries, and a global opening series, the 2025 MLB spring training and regular season promise to deliver a thrilling experience for everyone involved.