The eagerly awaited 2025 Major League Baseball spring training schedules have been unveiled, marking the beginning of a new season of America's pastime. Enthusiasts from coast to coast can now circle key dates on their calendars as teams gear up for another thrilling year of baseball.
Spring Training Kickoff
This year's spring training is set to commence with an exciting matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20, at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. This game will set the stage for a series of exhilarating exhibition matches that fans eagerly anticipate each year.
Grapefruit League Opener
Just a day later, on Friday, February 21, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first game of the Grapefruit League in Florida, signaling the start of the eastern contingent's preparation for the regular season. Both leagues promise intense competitions as teams refine their rosters and assess emerging talents.
Full Slate for Opening Weekend
All 30 teams will take to the field for the first time during the opening weekend of spring training, with games scheduled for Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23. This influx of action gives fans a comprehensive look at their favorite teams and players, setting the tone for the season ahead.
Notable Series and Games
The Spring Breakout series, slated for March 13-15, will offer a preview of the high-stakes matchups to come. Intriguing interleague and inter-division games will punctuate the spring training calendar, highlighted by a two-game series between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. On March 25, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to meet the Minnesota Twins, adding to the excitement of the preseason.
An annual highlight, the Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels, will feature one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium. This intra-city rivalry always draws significant attention and sets the scene for both teams' season aspirations.
Other Key Matchups
Additional noteworthy games include the Cleveland Guardians taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field and the Kansas City Royals facing off against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games provide valuable opportunities for teams to test their mettle against a variety of opponents.
International and Stateside Opening Day
The global appeal of Major League Baseball is on full display with the regular season's opening series in Tokyo, where the Dodgers will face the Cubs on March 18-19. This international series underscores the sport's worldwide fanbase and MLB's commitment to bringing the game to a global audience.
Following their Tokyo encounter, both the Dodgers and the Cubs will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, refining their strategies and finalizing their rosters ahead of the Stateside Opening Day on March 27. On this day, all 30 teams will be in action, marking the official start of the 2025 MLB season.
As the curtain rises on another year of Major League Baseball, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. With a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent ready to take the field, the 2025 season promises to deliver unforgettable moments and captivating storylines. Fans across the globe eagerly await the first pitch, ready to cheer on their beloved teams and celebrate the timeless tradition of baseball.