The eagerly anticipated schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training have been released, setting the stage for an exciting preseason filled with intense matchups and notable events. Spring training, which serves as a precursor to the regular season, is split between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, encompassing all 30 MLB teams.
Kickoff Showdown in the Cactus League
Spring training will commence with a marquee game between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20, at Camelback Ranch. This matchup not only marks the beginning of the preseason but also promises to deliver high-octane action as both teams look to fine-tune their rosters.
Grapefruit League's First Pitch
The New York Yankees are set to host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first game of the Grapefruit League on Friday, February 21. As these rivals face off, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with strategic plays and opportunities for emerging talent to shine.
Opening Weekend Extravaganza
The excitement continues throughout the opening weekend, with all 30 teams taking the field on Saturday, February 22, ensuring a widespread display of talent and competition. Sunday's games will further solidify the early momentum of spring training, providing fans with a full weekend of baseball.
Spring Breakout Series
Among the highlights of the spring training schedule is the Spring Breakout series, slated for March 13-15. This series will feature a selection of high-profile matchups that will certainly capture the attention of baseball enthusiasts.
Special Series and Cross-League Battles
As March unfolds, fans will be treated to a unique blend of games, including a two-game series between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will head to Florida to challenge the Minnesota Twins on March 25, showcasing inter-league play's excitement.
The annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels is another highlight, with one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium. This series is a fan favorite, often delivering memorable moments and high-stakes drama.
Additional marquee matchups 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. These games promise to be crowd-pleasers, with teams vying for preseason supremacy.
International Season Opener
One of the standout events of the 2025 spring training schedule is the regular season's opening series in Tokyo, where the Dodgers will face the Cubs on March 18-19. This international clash not only highlights MLB's global reach but also provides fans in Japan with a thrilling taste of American baseball.
Following their Japanese expedition, both teams will return to the United States to resume their spring training activities, further preparing for the season ahead.
Stateside Opening Day
The culmination of spring training leads into Stateside Opening Day, set for March 27, with all 30 teams in action. This day marks the official start of the MLB regular season, where every team will look to begin its journey towards the coveted World Series championship.
As anticipation builds, the 2025 MLB spring training schedule showcases a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, offering fans an early look at the talent and strategies that will define the upcoming season. From the international series in Tokyo to the classic matchups across the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues, every game serves as a reminder of why baseball remains America's beloved pastime.