Baseball enthusiasts, set your calendars and ready your gear because the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training schedules are out, and they're packed with thrilling matchups and notable events. With 30 teams bifurcated between Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League, fans from coast to coast are poised for an action-packed run-up to the regular season.
Opening Matchups
The spring training season will commence with a marquee matchup as the Chicago Cubs face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, February 20. This game sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating series of contests. A day later, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in the Grapefruit League's inaugural game, adding an extra layer of excitement for East Coast fans eager to see their teams back in action.
On Saturday, February 22, all 30 teams will take the field, marking the beginning of a weekend filled with baseball action. The momentum will carry through Sunday, February 23, ensuring fans have ample opportunity to witness their favorite teams and players in action from the get-go.
Highlight Series and Events
A standout feature of this year's spring training is the Spring Breakout series, scheduled from March 13 to March 15. This series is highly anticipated as an opportunity to see teams solidify their rosters and strategies as the regular season draws closer.
In another exciting development, the Atlanta Braves are set to play a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25. A remarkable interleague play will see the Colorado Rockies travel to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25, providing fans a unique inter-state matchup.
The Freeway Series
No spring training schedule would be complete without mentioning the annual Freeway Series, a beloved tradition that pits the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Los Angeles Angels. This year's series will include one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, offering fans multiple chances to catch this iconic Southern California rivalry unfold.
Nationwide Matchups
Other intriguing matchups include the Cleveland Guardians against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field and the Kansas City Royals squaring off against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These games provide a preview of potential regular-season intensity and offer plenty for fans to look forward to.
International Opener
In a groundbreaking move, the 2025 regular season will open in Tokyo with a two-game series between the Dodgers and the Cubs on March 18-19. This international showdown is not just a unique spectacle for fans in Japan but also a testament to the growing global appeal of Major League Baseball. Following these games, both teams will return to the United States to resume their spring training engagements.
Stateside Opening Day
The excitement culminates on March 27, when all 30 teams will take to the field for Stateside Opening Day. This synchronized start promises an unprecedented surge of excitement and competition, as each team begins their quest for the coveted World Series title.
With a rich slate of games and diverse matchups across both leagues, the 2025 spring training schedule is set to deliver high-caliber baseball leading up to what promises to be an unforgettable season. Whether you're rooting for the storied franchises or the underdogs looking to make a statement, there's something for every baseball aficionado to relish.