As the chill of winter begins to recede, baseball fans can look forward to the much-anticipated rituals of spring training. With the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training schedules officially released, aficionados now have a detailed roadmap for the lead-up to the regular season.
Split Camps: Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues
The traditional split of the 30 MLB teams between Florida’s Grapefruit League and Arizona’s Cactus League remains in place. This geographic division not only accommodates the varying weather patterns but also maintains cherished regional rivalries and traditions. With each venue having its unique charm, fans will flock to both states to catch a glimpse of their favorite teams gearing up for the season.
Opening Matchups Set the Stage
Spring training will kick off on Thursday, February 20, with a highly anticipated game between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. This early matchup promises to deliver a riveting start to the preseason.
The following day, in Florida, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game. This game marks the beginning of a new chapter for both franchises, as they look to refine their rosters and strategies ahead of the regular season.
The opening weekend, starting on Saturday, February 22, will see all 30 teams take the field, continuing into Sunday, February 23. This full slate of action will provide fans their first comprehensive look at the rosters taking shape and offer a taste of the upcoming competition.
Headline Series and Key Dates
Several noteworthy series and matchups dot the spring training calendar. One of the highlights is the Spring Breakout series, scheduled for March 13-15. This mid-March showcase will feature a number of intraleague and interleague games, giving fans across the country a chance to see matchups that are a bit unusual during regular spring training play.
Later in the month, exciting developments are set for March 24-25, when the Atlanta Braves will compete in a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will make an uncommon trip to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins, adding a unique twist to the spring schedule.
Fans of the Los Angeles teams can look forward to the annual Freeway Series, which will feature one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium. This popular series is always a crowd-pleaser, providing a peek at potential regular-season showdowns between the Dodgers and the Angels.
Special Games and International Openers
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 will test the versatility and adaptability of the teams as they play in different stadium environments.
A unique highlight of the preseason is the international opening series in Tokyo. The Dodgers and the Cubs will fly to Japan to open the regular season on March 18-19. This global event underscores MLB's commitment to growing the sport internationally, providing Japanese fans with the thrill of live MLB action. Following these games, both teams will return stateside to resume their spring training schedules.
Stateside Opening Day and Looking Ahead
Following the international games, all eyes will turn to the Stateside Opening Day set for March 27, when all 30 teams will be in action. This grand day marks the official start of the regular season back on American soil, setting the stage for another thrilling year of baseball.
With a packed spring training schedule, featuring exciting matchups and the return of beloved traditions, fans have plenty to look forward to before the first regular season pitch. The meticulous preparation and anticipation that mark this period will set the tone for the 2025 MLB season, promising another year of unforgettable moments on the diamond.