MLB Spring Training Begins Feb. 20 in Florida, Arizona

The countdown to Major League Baseball’s 2025 season has officially started. The spring training schedule promises an action-packed lead-up to Opening Day.

From early February matchups in the warm sun of Florida and Arizona, to international exhibitions and prospect showcases, there’s a lot to look forward to. This year’s slate mixes iconic rivalry games, global competition, and special venue appearances—maybe the most diverse spring program in a while.

Spring Training Kicks Off February 20

The first wave of games begins on February 20. **Seven contests** are lined up, split between Florida’s Grapefruit League and Arizona’s Cactus League.

These early matchups will set the tone for six weeks of preparation. Teams will tune up their rosters and start building storylines for 2025.

Opening Day Matchups to Watch

Fans can expect some fun pairings right out of the gate. The New York Yankees head to Sarasota to take on the Baltimore Orioles, a meeting between two American League powerhouses.

Over in sunny Arizona, the Chicago Cubs face their crosstown rivals, the Chicago White Sox in Mesa. That exhibition always stirs up local bragging rights.

Other opening-day highlights include:

Two college teams will also jump into the mix. The Boston Red Sox take on Northeastern University in a traditional exhibition, while the Minnesota Twins host the University of Minnesota.

It’s a cool way to get a taste of grassroots baseball alongside the pros.

Champions and International Matchups

On February 21, the defending World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers open their spring schedule against the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe, Arizona. That matchup brings a bit of last fall’s high-stakes energy into the relaxed atmosphere of spring training.

World Baseball Classic Warm-Ups

International flavor arrives on March 3–4, when MLB squads face national teams prepping for the World Baseball Classic. Fourteen games are lined up across those two days.

One highlight: Team USA faces the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies in Scottsdale. It’s a rare chance to see MLB stars go head-to-head with elite global talent.

Prospects, Special Venues, and Relocation Storylines

The third annual Spring Breakout runs March 19–22, putting the future of baseball in the spotlight. Top prospects from every club get a showcase, giving scouts and fans a real look at up-and-coming talent.

Las Vegas Hosts a Preview of the Future

This year’s calendar even includes an unusual stop. The Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels meet for two games in Las Vegas on March 7–8.

These games carry extra significance, hinting at Oakland’s planned relocation to Las Vegas in 2028. For Las Vegas fans, it’s a glimpse of what their future home team might look like.

Final Tune-Ups Before the Season

As spring training wraps up, MLB shifts back to major league ballparks from March 22–24. These exhibitions let fans enjoy familiar stadiums while players get into their regular-season routines.

The big draw will be the traditional Dodgers-Angels Freeway Series. There’ll be plenty of other interleague contests to round out the slate, too.

Wrigley Field Sets the Stage

This year’s spring schedule wraps up in Chicago. The Yankees will take on the Tigers at the legendary Wrigley Field.

Both teams start their regular season campaigns on March 25 and 26. There’s something about Wrigley—nostalgia just hangs in the air, and you can feel the anticipation building as Opening Day creeps closer.

Rivalry games, international matchups, and a spotlight on the next wave of stars—MLB’s 2025 spring training isn’t just about getting ready. Honestly, it’s more like an early celebration of what makes baseball so addictive.

From February’s first pitch to the exhibition finales in late March, the road to Opening Day feels like a story you don’t want to miss.

 
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