The baseball world is buzzing with excitement as the schedules for the 2025 Major League Baseball spring training have been unveiled. Fans from coast to coast are eagerly circling dates on their calendars as they prepare to see their favorite teams back in action.
The Early Excitement Begins
The action is set to commence with a thrilling clash between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, February 20, at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. This marquee matchup will surely set the tone for what promises to be a captivating spring season. For those who favor the Grapefruit League, the New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays in another opening game on Friday, February 21.
Opening Weekend Frenzy
The excitement will only ramp up over the opening weekend, with all 30 Major League teams taking to the field on Saturday, February 22. This will be the first opportunity for fans to catch collective glimpses of their teams, new talents, and off-season acquisitions. The action-packed weekend continues with games scheduled for Sunday, February 23, as the enthusiasm of the opening continues to build.
Marquee Matchups and Series
A highlight of the spring schedule is the Spring Breakout series from March 13-15. This showcase features top teams and promises to offer fans a glimpse of mid-season form just a few weeks into training. In another eagerly awaited series, the Atlanta Braves will play a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Arizona on March 24-25, drawing attention from fans eager to see these storied franchises clash.
Of particular note, the Colorado Rockies will be making a rare appearance in Florida to face the Minnesota Twins on March 25, returning the favor to the Twin Cities' faithful who travel eagerly each year to the Rockies' spring home in Arizona.
The Freeway Series Returns
As always, the annual Freeway Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels promises to be a hit. This year’s iteration will see one game at Dodger Stadium and two at Angel Stadium. This local rivalry continues to be a fan favorite, drawing large crowds and significant media attention.
Key Games Across The Leagues
Elsewhere, fans can look forward to 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 matchups will provide invaluable opportunities for teams to fine-tune their rosters and strategies against quality opposition.
International Appeal
This year's spring schedule also includes a truly global appeal. The regular season will kick off in Tokyo with a marquee series between the Dodgers and the Cubs on March 18-19. This unique international event is an excellent opportunity for MLB to expand its global footprint, and for fans across the Pacific to engage with the sport at its highest level. Following their stint in Japan, both teams will seamlessly transition back into their spring training schedules in preparation for the regular season.
Stateside Opening Day
The culmination of spring training will set the stage for Stateside Opening Day on March 27, where all 30 teams will be in action, officially marking the beginning of the 2025 Major League Baseball season. Fans and players alike will be riding high on the wave of excitement generated by a dynamic spring, leading into what promises to be a thrilling season of baseball.
With these dates now set, baseball fans have plenty to look forward to as they prepare for a spring filled with sunshine, budding talents, and the pure joy of America’s pastime.