The excitement surrounding the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season reached new heights this week with the release of the eagerly anticipated spring training schedules. The event, a beloved tradition among baseball fans, sees 30 teams divided between the sun-soaked fields of Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League.
Spring Training Kicks Off
The action is set to begin on Thursday, February 20, with a marquee matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. This early clash sets the tone for a month filled with baseball, as stars prepare for the grind and excitement of the regular season.
In the Grapefruit League, the New York Yankees will commence their spring training campaign by hosting the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, February 21. This game marks the first of many intense contests in Florida, drawing attention to the talented rosters and heated rivalries fans have come to expect.
Opening Weekend Showcases All Teams
Opening weekend promises a baseball bonanza with all 30 teams taking the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22. This will continue into Sunday, February 23, marking a significant point in the spring training schedule where fans can catch a glimpse of every team in action.
As the spring schedule progresses, the excitement builds toward the Spring Breakout series from March 13-15. This series serves as a milestone, where players begin to feel the competitive edge sharpen as the regular season approaches.
Key Matchups and Inter-League Play
Among the key preseason matchups, the Atlanta Braves are set to play a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25, highlighting the cross-country nature of spring training competition.
A highlight for fans in California will be the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. This popular series will feature one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, providing an early look at one of the state's most storied rivalries.
Meanwhile, in other notable clashes, the Cleveland Guardians will take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals will face the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Each of these games offers a unique preview of regular-season dynamics and potential playoff contenders.
MLB Heads to Tokyo
In a thrilling twist to the preseason schedule, the 2025 MLB regular season will open internationally in Tokyo. The Dodgers and the Cubs will headline this historic series on March 18-19, bringing America's pastime to a global stage. Following the Tokyo series, both teams will return to the United States to continue their spring training preparations, ensuring the continuity of their seasonal preparations.
The culmination of this extensive spring training schedule will see Stateside Opening Day on March 27, where once again, all 30 teams will be in action. This date is circled on every baseball fan's calendar, marking the official start of another thrilling season of Major League Baseball.
Spring training remains a quintessential part of the baseball calendar, bridging the gap between the anticipation of the offseason and the reality of the regular season. With the 2025 schedule now in hand, fans and players alike can look forward to another season filled with memorable moments, fierce competition, and the timeless charm of America's favorite pastime.