The highly anticipated schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training have been unveiled, promising an exciting series of matchups between the sports' top teams. In total, 30 teams are divided between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, ensuring plenty of action for baseball fans from coast to coast.
Spring Training Kicks Off
The spring training season will commence with a marquee matchup featuring the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20 at Camelback Ranch. This game will set the tone for what is expected to be a thrilling spring slate. The following day, on Friday, February 21, the New York Yankees will welcome the Tampa Bay Rays for the first Grapefruit League game, adding another layer of excitement to the opening proceedings.
As the weekend unfolds, all 30 teams will take to the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22. Fans can look forward to a full day of baseball action, followed by another packed schedule on Sunday, February 23. These early games provide teams with the opportunity to fine-tune their rosters and assess their players in competitive settings.
Middle of Spring Training
One notable event in the middle of the spring training calendar is the Spring Breakout series, scheduled for March 13-15. This series is sure to capture the attention of fans and analysts alike as teams shift gears and begin to focus more intently on the upcoming regular season.
Further enhancing the intrigue of the spring schedule, the Atlanta Braves will clash with the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series in Arizona on March 24-25. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25. Such cross-league matchups add a unique flavor to the preseason preparations.
Highlight Matchups
Tradition and rivalry take center stage as well, particularly with the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. This year, the series will feature one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, giving fans in both locales a chance to witness this storied rivalry up close. Additionally, the Cleveland Guardians will face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals will compete against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Opening the Regular Season in Tokyo
A significant highlight of the spring training schedule is the announcement that the regular season will open in Tokyo with a special series between the Dodgers and the Cubs on March 18-19. This international series not only showcases the global appeal of Major League Baseball but also provides a thrilling start to the regular season. Following their games in Tokyo, both teams will return to the United States to continue with their spring training games.
Stateside Opening Day
The culmination of spring training comes with Stateside Opening Day set for March 27, when all 30 teams will take to the field to officially begin their 2025 campaigns. As anticipation builds, fans and teams alike are eagerly looking forward to a season brimming with the promise of drama, competition, and unforgettable baseball moments.
With detailed preparations and a robust schedule, the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training promises to deliver excitement and high-stakes play, setting the stage for a memorable season ahead. Baseball enthusiasts around the globe can hardly wait for the first pitches to be thrown and for the journey toward the World Series to commence once more.