The countdown to the 2025 Major League Baseball season begins in earnest with the release of the spring training schedules, igniting excitement among fans and players alike. As tradition holds, the 30 teams will be divided between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, setting the stage for crucial preseason action and a taste of competitive baseball after the offseason.
Spring Training Opener Highlights Key Matchups
Spring training will officially kick off on Thursday, February 20, with a marquee matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. This opening day clash promises to set a high standard for the preseason, with both teams looking to fine-tune their rosters and get an early competitive edge.
The Grapefruit League will see its first action on the following day, as the New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, February 21. This game is expected to draw significant attention, spotlighting key players and providing early indications of team form.
A Weekend Packed with Baseball
The excitement ramps up over the opening weekend, with all 30 teams taking the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22. The flurry of games will continue into Sunday, February 23, offering fans a full slate of spring training action as they look forward to the regular season.
Noteworthy Series and Events
Spring training will also feature the highly anticipated Spring Breakout series, scheduled for March 13-15. This series provides an intense stretch of games, allowing teams to continue testing lineups and strategies before the season's commencement.
Among other highlight matchups, the Atlanta Braves are set to play a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. Meanwhile, in an intriguing interleague encounter, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25.
The annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels stands as a tradition, featuring one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium. This series serves as a local showdown and a fan favorite, adding further flavor to the spring schedule.
Cross-Country Clashes
Other noteworthy matchups include the Cleveland Guardians squaring off against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals taking on the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games provide a glimpse of potential regular-season rivalries and offer fans the rare opportunity to see cross-country clashes prior to the season.
International Opening Series
In a historic move, the regular season will open overseas in Tokyo with a high-profile series between the Dodgers and the Cubs on March 18-19. This international event highlights MLB's efforts to globalize the sport and bring the excitement of Major League Baseball to fans around the world.
After their international stint in Tokyo, both teams will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, ensuring they are in prime condition for the stateside Opening Day.
March 27 Marks the Start of the Season Stateside
The much-anticipated Stateside Opening Day is set for March 27, with all 30 teams slated to be in action. This day represents the official beginning of the regular MLB season, where months of preparation and training will be put to the test as teams embark on their 162-game odyssey.
The 2025 spring training schedule balances traditional rivalries with unique matchups, offering a comprehensive and exciting lead-up to the regular season. As teams prepare to take the field, fans across the globe eagerly anticipate the return of baseball and the promise of a thrilling season ahead.