The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training schedule has been eagerly awaited by fans and teams alike, and it has now been officially released. The training sessions, a cherished prelude to the regular season, provide not only a chance for teams to fine-tune their rosters but also an early glimpse of the season's potential stars.
League Divisions and Key Matchups
This year's spring training will see 30 teams divided between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, continuing a long-standing tradition. The excitement kicks off with a matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20, at Camelback Ranch, a duel certain to draw significant attention from fans.
The Grapefruit League will start with the New York Yankees hosting the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, February 21. This game is expected to set the tone for a competitive and thrilling pre-season in Florida. That very weekend will be packed with action as all 30 teams take to the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22, ensuring that fans across both leagues will have ample opportunity to see their favorite players in action.
Games will continue on Sunday, February 23, as teams solidify their lineups and strategies in preparation for the coming season.
Special Series and Noteworthy Contests
One of the standout events of the spring training schedule is the Spring Breakout series, slated for March 13-15. This series will provide fans with an opportunity to see top teams clash in high-stakes games, generating considerable pre-season buzz.
The Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs will also face off in a noteworthy two-game series in Arizona on March 24-25. This encounter provides a unique chance to see how the Braves' roster shapes up against the Cubs' lineup in the dry Arizona climate.
On March 25, the Colorado Rockies will venture to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins, adding an inter-league twist to the spring training proceedings. Such matches are a rare and exciting component of spring training's cross-country nature.
Traditional Rivalries and Cross-Country Journeys
Spring training wouldn't be complete without its traditional rivalries, and one of the most anticipated is the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. This series will include one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, promising a thrilling showdown that fans have come to look forward to each year.
Other notable games include the Cleveland Guardians facing the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals taking on the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games offer a unique chance to see how teams from different divisions stack up against one another before the regular season commences.
A Global Opening to the Regular Season
The 2025 regular season will have a grand opening on the global stage. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will play a series in Tokyo on March 18-19, bringing America's pastime to an international audience. Following these games in Japan, both teams will return to the United States to complete their spring training schedules.
Stateside Opening Day is set for March 27, where fans can expect all 30 teams to be in action, fervently competing to start their seasons on a high note.
The release of the 2025 MLB spring training schedule sparks excitement among baseball fans, promising a season full of intense preparation, storied rivalries, and new beginnings. It's not just a prelude to the regular season; it’s a foundational period where teams come together, strategies are honed, and fans get their first taste of the action that lies ahead.