The anticipation for the 2025 Major League Baseball season reached new heights today with the release of the spring training schedules. As always, the prelude to the regular season will feature a dynamic mix of established rivalries and intriguing matchups, with 30 teams divided between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League.
Early Action Begins
Spring training will commence with a high-profile clash between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20 at Camelback Ranch, the shared spring training facility of both teams. This opener sets the stage for an exciting month of baseball that fans eagerly anticipate each year.
The following day, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game on Friday, February 21. The match at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa is expected to draw a large crowd, setting the tone for a bustling spring training season in Florida.
A Full Weekend of Action
On Saturday, February 22, all 30 teams will step onto the field for a full slate of games, marking the first weekend where fans can see all their favorite teams in action. The action continues into Sunday, February 23, giving fans an entire weekend of baseball to enjoy.
Special Series Headlined
The Spring Breakout series, scheduled for March 13-15, promises to be another highlight of the spring. Featuring marquee matchups and potentially pivotal games for players competing for roster spots, this series serves as a critical period for teams looking to fine-tune their lineups.
Ahead of the regular season kickoff, a special series in Arizona will see the Atlanta Braves face off against the Chicago Cubs on March 24-25. In conjunction with these games, the Colorado Rockies will travel to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25, providing a rare cross-league spring training encounter.
Iconic Rivalries and Unique Matchups
One of the most highly anticipated events is the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels, featuring one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium. This series, a staple of the spring training calendar, never fails to draw immense interest from fans and analysts alike.
Not to be outdone, the Cleveland Guardians and the Arizona Diamondbacks will battle it out at Chase Field, bringing their blend of young talent and veteran leadership to Arizona. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals will face off against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, offering fans another exciting matchup.
International and Stateside Openers
The regular season will begin in dramatic fashion with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs battling it out in Tokyo on March 18-19. These games in Japan underscore baseball's growing international appeal and provide a unique start to the season.
Following their return from Tokyo, both teams will quickly fall back into their spring training schedules in the U.S. before the Stateside Opening Day on March 27, when all 30 teams will be in action. This full slate of games is a hallmark of the season's opening, signaling the return of baseball to fans across the nation.
With a blend of traditional rivalries, new matchups, and international flair, the 2025 spring training schedule is set to capture the excitement and passion of baseball enthusiasts everywhere. As teams prepare to take the field, the months of February and March promise to deliver a vivid tapestry of America's pastime, laying the groundwork for another thrilling season in Major League Baseball.