The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training schedules have been eagerly anticipated by baseball fans, and they’ve finally been released. This year's spring training promises a series of exciting matchups and a tantalizing preview of the regular season to come. With 30 teams divided between Florida’s Grapefruit League and Arizona’s Cactus League, the baseball action kicks off in just a few short months.
Opening Matchups
Spring training will begin with a marquee matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20 at Camelback Ranch. This opener sets the stage for a season filled with high expectations and hopes for both teams, with fans eager to see old and new players take to the field.
The next day, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game on Friday, February 21. An early test for both teams, this game will set the pace for the rest of their spring training schedules.
The excitement continues through the opening weekend as all 30 teams take to the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22. Fans can look forward to a full slate of games, followed by more action on Sunday, February 23.
Key Series and Highlights
One of the highlights of the spring training schedule is the Spring Breakout series, which is set for March 13-15. This series will feature a number of competitive matchups that are sure to thrill baseball enthusiasts.
Later in the month, the Atlanta Braves will face the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series in Arizona on March 24-25, providing an intriguing inter-league clash that could serve as a prelude to potential postseason battles. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to take on the Minnesota Twins on March 25, another key game to watch.
Special Events
The annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels always garners significant attention, and this year will be no different. The series will include one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, giving fans in both venues the chance to witness their home teams in action against their close rivals.
In addition, the Cleveland Guardians are scheduled to play against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, while the Kansas City Royals will face off against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These matchups provide additional must-see games during the spring training period.
International and Domestic Openers
This year’s regular season will open with an international flair in Tokyo, as the Dodgers and the Cubs are set to play a series on March 18-19. This exciting international opener showcases MLB’s continued effort to grow the game globally and provides fans in Japan with a rare chance to see MLB stars up close.
Following their return to the United States, both the Dodgers and Cubs will resume their spring training schedules in preparation for Stateside Opening Day, which is set for March 27. All 30 teams will be in action, marking the official start of the 2025 MLB season in the United States.
The release of the spring training schedule builds anticipation for what promises to be an exhilarating year of baseball. Fans and players alike eagerly await the return of America’s pastime, ready for every pitch, hit, and play that defines the sport. With the combination of competitive matchups, special series, and the international opener in Tokyo, the 2025 MLB season is poised to capture the hearts and minds of baseball fans around the world.