The eagerly awaited schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training have been released, offering fans a detailed roadmap of preseason action. With 30 teams split between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, the upcoming spring training promises a robust slate of games and intriguing matchups as teams prepare for the regular season.
Opening Matchups
Spring training commences with a high-profile matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20, at Camelback Ranch. This opening duel sets the stage for an exciting preseason, reflecting both teams’ rich histories and fervent fanbases. Following closely, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game on Friday, February 21, at the Yankees' spring training home.
The opening weekend will see all 30 teams take the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22. This wave of games will continue with additional matchups on Sunday, February 23, providing fans ample opportunity to catch their favorite teams in action early in the training schedule.
Highlights and Special Series
The Spring Breakout series, scheduled for March 13-15, promises to be a central highlight of spring training. This series will feature standout matchups geared toward generating excitement and showcasing MLB talent as teams edge closer to the regular season.
As part of the preseason roster, the Atlanta Braves will confront the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to face off against the Minnesota Twins on March 25, adding interleague flavor to the spring lineup.
Classic Rivalries
Fans can look forward to the annual Freeway Series, a vibrant contest between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. This year's series will feature one game at the iconic Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, continuing a tradition that has captivated baseball enthusiasts in Southern California.
Exciting Venue Matchups
Spring training also includes tantalizing venue-specific matchups. The Cleveland Guardians are set to play against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, while the Kansas City Royals will meet the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games will provide a unique blend of spring training atmosphere within major league stadiums, offering fans a taste of the regular season environment.
International Kickoff
The regular season will kick off with an international flavor, as the Dodgers and the Cubs square off in Tokyo on March 18-19. This opening series in Japan highlights MLB's commitment to expanding its global reach and engaging with international audiences. Following their Tokyo games, both teams will return to the United States to continue their spring training schedules, ensuring they are optimally prepared for the grueling MLB season.
Stateside Opening Day
The culmination of spring training leads into Stateside Opening Day, set for March 27, with all 30 MLB teams ready to take the field. This collective launch promises a thrilling start to the 2025 season, as teams, players, and fans gear up for another ride through America's pastime.
With the release of the 2025 MLB spring training schedule, the stage is set for a compelling preseason filled with competitive matchups and classic rivalries. Fans can now mark their calendars and prepare to support their favorite teams as they set the groundwork for what promises to be an unforgettable regular season.