The countdown to spring has taken an exhilarating turn with the release of the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training schedules. Fans coast to coast can look forward to a tapestry of matchups, unforgettable moments, and an array of star-studded lineups in both Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League.
Opening Highlights
Kicking off the excitement, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers will face off on Thursday, February 20 at Camelback Ranch. This early kickoff promises to set the tone for what is sure to be a captivating prelude to the regular season.
The following day, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the Grapefruit League's inaugural game, bringing the sunshine state its first taste of springtime baseball. By Saturday, February 22, all 30 teams will be in action, marking the true beginning of the spring training festivities. Fans won't have long to wait before they see their favorite teams take the field again on Sunday, February 23. With all teams participating, the atmosphere promises to be nothing short of electrifying.
Notable Series and Matchups
Swiftly moving into March, the Spring Breakout series, slated for March 13-15, stands out as one of the hallmark events of the season. Another highly anticipated series will have the Atlanta Braves squaring off against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. Simultaneously, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida, taking on the Minnesota Twins on March 25, making for a rare cross-league encounter during the preseason.
One of the most endearing fixtures of spring training, the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels, returns with one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium. This local rivalry never fails to deliver high-intensity games and memorable performances.
Moreover, the Cleveland Guardians will be playing against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals will lock horns with the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, offering fans a glimpse of competitive matchups in these iconic ballparks.
International and Stateside Openers
Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the 2025 spring training schedule is the international flair. The regular season will commence with a unique opener in Tokyo, featuring a showdown between the Dodgers and the Cubs on March 18-19. This international engagement highlights MLB's continued efforts to globalize the sport and bring the best of baseball to fans around the world.
After their Tokyo adventure, both teams will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, giving their fans more opportunities to catch them live in action. Stateside Opening Day is earmarked for March 27, when all 30 teams will take the field, making an exhilarating start to the official season.
With such a meticulously crafted schedule, the 2025 MLB spring training is set to offer a smorgasbord of thrilling matchups, strategic gameplay, and the promise of new talents emerging. From the first pitch between the Cubs and the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch to the grand finale of Stateside Opening Day, every game is bound to contribute to the richness of the baseball season narrative, making it an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.