The anticipation surrounding the upcoming 2025 Major League Baseball spring training schedule reached its peak with the long-awaited release of the dates and matchups for both Florida's Grapefruit League and Arizona's Cactus League. With fans eagerly booking their trips and players preparing for the season ahead, the excitement for America's pastime grows ever stronger.
The journey to the regular season will officially start on February 20, with an electrifying matchup set to take place at Camelback Ranch. The iconic Chicago Cubs will face off against the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers, promising a dramatic opening to the training sessions. This initial encounter sets the tone for what will undoubtedly be a thrilling buildup to Opening Day.
The Grapefruit League will kick off the following day, with the New York Yankees hosting the Tampa Bay Rays on February 21. The Yankees, with their storied history and powerhouse roster, are expected to draw significant attention as they compete against the formidable Rays in what promises to be a hotly contested game.
Opening Weekend Action
Spring training's opening weekend is poised to be an all-out baseball spectacle. All 30 Major League Baseball teams will take to the diamond on February 22, offering fans a full slate of action-packed games. The festivities won’t end there, as teams will also be in action the next day, February 23, ensuring a weekend brimming with baseball excitement.
The Spring Breakout series, scheduled for March 13-15, is another highlight of the spring training schedule. This series will offer fans a concentrated burst of top-tier baseball action as teams fine-tune their strategies and lineups for the regular season.
Notable Matchups
Spring training is also peppered with a slew of notable matchups that are certain to captivate fans and analysts alike. The Atlanta Braves will clash with the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25, a two-game series that promises plenty of drama and competitive spirit.
In a move showcasing the league's geographical versatility, the Colorado Rockies will journey to Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25. This interleague play across different states highlights the unique opportunities spring training provides both teams and fans.
The annual Freeway Series will once again bring local rivalry to the forefront as the Los Angeles Dodgers square off against the Los Angeles Angels. This series will consist of three intense games, one at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium, delivering no shortage of competitive fireworks.
Further, the Cleveland Guardians are set to measure up against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. At the same time, the Kansas City Royals will face the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These matchups will be crucial in helping teams assess their rosters and make final adjustments before the regular season begins.
International Flavor and Stateside Opening Day
An intriguing twist to the 2025 spring training is the international opening series that pits the Dodgers against the Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19. This overseas showcase aims to expand the game’s global reach and offer international fans a taste of Major League Baseball's unmatched thrill and talent.
Upon their return from Tokyo, both the Dodgers and the Cubs will dive back into their spring training schedules on home soil, fine-tuning their preparations in anticipation of the regular season.
Stateside Opening Day is set for March 27, with all 30 Major League teams taking the field in a full slate of games that marks the official start of the 2025 regular season. This day will not only signal the culmination of spring training efforts but also the beginning of what promises to be another remarkable chapter in Major League Baseball history.
With the release of the 2025 spring training schedule, fans and players alike can now mark their calendars and savor the anticipation of a new season brimming with potential, passion, and the timeless magic of baseball.