The eagerly anticipated schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training have finally been released, bringing excitement to fans across the country. With 30 teams spread between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, the upcoming season promises a thrilling kick-off to the baseball year.
Spring Training Kickoff
Spring training will officially commence with a marquee matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20. This opening game is set to be held at Camelback Ranch, the shared spring training facility for these two storied franchises. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see emerging talents and how established stars are shaping up for the season.
The following day, February 21, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in what will be the first Grapefruit League game. Located in the heart of Florida’s baseball action, this matchup is set to attract a significant crowd, showcasing the depth and competition within the league.
Action-Packed Opening Weekend
The opening weekend of spring training will feature all 30 teams taking to the field on Saturday, February 22, in a display of baseball action that stretches from coast to coast. This will mark the first opportunity for fans to see their favorite teams in action, as well as scope out the competition. The excitement continues into Sunday, February 23, as teams look to build momentum in these early exhibition games.
Special Series and Matchups
Several special series are scattered throughout the spring training schedule, designed to ramp up the excitement before the regular season begins. The Spring Breakout series, set for March 13-15, promises to be a standout event, showcasing top-tier matchups and possibly offering a preview of playoff-caliber contention.
One notable series pits the Atlanta Braves against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25, a two-game event sure to capture the attention of baseball aficionados. Concurrently, on March 25, the Colorado Rockies will venture to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins, adding inter-league variety to the spring schedule.
Fans can also look forward to the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. This beloved series will include one game at Dodger Stadium and two games at Angel Stadium, offering fans in Southern California multiple opportunities to witness this crosstown rivalry in action.
Other significant matches include the Cleveland Guardians taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field and the Kansas City Royals facing the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games provide a chance for fans in various locales to see their teams prepare for the season in different settings.
International and National Opening Days
Adding a global flair to the 2025 season, the regular season will open in Tokyo with a series between the Dodgers and the Cubs on March 18-19. This international series underscores Major League Baseball’s commitment to expanding its global reach and offering international fans a closer look at America’s pastime.
Following the Tokyo games, both teams will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, ensuring they are finely tuned for the Stateside Opening Day. All 30 teams will be in action on March 27, marking the official start of the regular season on home soil. Fans can expect a day filled with excitement, new beginnings, and the unwavering hope that accompanies the start of every baseball season.
The release of the spring training schedule is just the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating 2025 baseball season. With a blend of traditional rivalries, special matchups, and international play, fans have much to look forward to as the countdown to spring begins.