The Major League Baseball community can finally mark their calendars as the eagerly anticipated 2025 spring training schedule has been released. With 30 teams divided between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, baseball fans across the country are set to experience a captivating preseason.
Spring Training Kicks Off
The action begins on Thursday, February 20, with a marquee matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. This opening game promises a thrilling start to the season, setting the tone for what will undoubtedly be an exciting spring.
Following the opener, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the first Grapefruit League game on Friday, February 21, at George M. Steinbrenner Field. This matchup between two American League East rivals will give fans an early taste of the intense competition to come.
The opening weekend of spring training will be particularly special, as all 30 teams are set to take the field for the first time on Saturday, February 22, providing a full slate of games and opportunities for fans to see their favorite teams and players in action. The excitement continues into Sunday, with another full day of games on February 23.
Key Series to Watch
Beyond the opening games, several not-to-be-missed series are scheduled throughout the spring training period. One highlight is the Spring Breakout series slated for March 13-15, which often features some of the most competitive and entertaining matchups of the preseason.
Another standout series will see the Atlanta Braves face the Chicago Cubs in a two-game set in Arizona on March 24-25. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies will journey to Florida to take on the Minnesota Twins on March 25, offering a unique cross-league exhibition that adds diversity to the spring schedule.
As always, the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels will draw considerable attention. This year's series will consist of one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, giving both fanbases ample opportunity to support their teams in this intra-city rivalry.
Special Venue Matchups
Several games will be played at special venues, enhancing the spring training experience. Notably, the Cleveland Guardians will play against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and the Kansas City Royals will face the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These matchups provide a change of scenery and an opportunity for players and fans to enjoy games in full Major League stadiums before the regular season begins.
International Flair
Adding an international dimension to the preseason, the regular season will officially open in Tokyo with a two-game series between the Dodgers and the Cubs on March 18-19. These games mark a significant occasion as Major League Baseball continues its efforts to expand its global reach and bring the sport to a broader international audience.
After their stint in Japan, both teams will return to the United States to resume their spring training schedules, reintegrating back into their respective training camps for the final preparations before Opening Day.
Stateside Opening Day
The excitement of spring training will culminate in Stateside Opening Day on March 27, when all 30 teams are set to be in action, officially marking the transition from preseason to the regular season. This comprehensive day of baseball heralds the start of what promises to be a captivating and competitive 2025 Major League Baseball season.
With a blend of traditional spring training excitement and compelling matchups at home and abroad, the 2025 preseason is shaping up to be a memorable one. Whether it's the early big games, special series, or the international flair introduced by the Tokyo opener, fans have a multitude of reasons to be excited about the return of baseball.