The Major League Baseball (MLB) community can finally mark their calendars as the eagerly anticipated schedules for the 2025 spring training have been released. The 30 MLB teams are divided between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, each promising an exciting lineup of games that will kick off the new season in style.
Spring Training Begins with Exciting Matchups
The action is set to start on Thursday, February 20 with a high-profile matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. This opening game promises to set the tone for a spring packed with thrilling baseball as teams dust off their winter rust and prepare for the upcoming season.
The following day, Friday, February 21, sees the New York Yankees hosting the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game. An exciting lineup over the opening weekend ensures that fans won’t have to wait long to see all 30 teams in action, with games on both Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23.
Special Series and Key Dates
A highlight of the spring training schedule is the Spring Breakout series, scheduled for March 13-15, which is sure to feature matchups that will get fans buzzing. Also, noteworthy is a two-game series between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs, set to take place in Arizona on March 24-25. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will head to Florida to face off against the Minnesota Twins on March 25.
Adding to the excitement, the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels is scheduled with one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium. This cherished tradition is a fan favorite and always delivers an electric atmosphere.
Inter-League Matchups and Venues
The Cleveland Guardians will face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, while the Kansas City Royals are set to battle the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These matchups provide a perfect mix of familiar rivalries and rare confrontations, ensuring that there’s something for every baseball enthusiast to look forward to.
Season Opens with International Flavor
The 2025 MLB regular season will launch with an international flair, featuring a series between the Dodgers and the Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19. This overseas showdown offers a unique start to the season, showcasing MLB's global appeal and expanding the fan base worldwide. After their games in Tokyo, both the Dodgers and the Cubs will return to the United States to continue their spring training schedules.
Stateside Opening Day to Cap off Spring Training
Finally, Stateside Opening Day is set for March 27, with an exhilarating prospect of all 30 teams taking the field. As fans gear up for another season of America's favorite pastime, the spring training schedule provides a perfect prelude to what promises to be an unforgettable year of baseball.
With a well-rounded schedule that includes early international play, key inter-league matchups, and beloved traditional series, MLB’s 2025 spring training is shaping up to be a must-watch for any baseball fan. The countdown to pitcher and catcher reports has officially begun, and the excitement is palpable across the league.