When does MLB spring training begin? What to know for start of 2025 MLB season
Baseball's Winter meetings have been underway for only a few days and already we've seen some big names headed to new places.
Max Fried, arguably the top pitcher available in free agency, has already signed with the New York Yankees. The Toronto Blue Jays made a splash, trading for Andres Gimenez. Meanwhile, the biggest deal of the offseason happened before winter meetings even got started when Juan Soto signed an unprecedented deal worth a $765 million with the New York Mets.
Baseball fever is ramping up, and fans are already foaming at the mouth wondering when they'll get to see their favorite team in bac action. Of course, the regular season is still months away, but luckily for fans just looking for any MLB action, spring training begins a little bit sooner.
Here's everything to know about MLB's spring training schedule and when you can start watching your favorite team play ball once again.
When does MLB spring training begin?
The first game of 2025 spring training is set to take place on Thursday, Feb. 20, when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Chicago Cubs to open Cactus League play.
The first Grapefruit League game will take place the next day, Friday, Feb. 21, when the Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays. That game will be followed up with full slates on Saturday and Sunday. All 30 teams will play both days.
When and what is Spring Breakout?
Spring Breakout is an event that began last year where teams bring their top prospects together during spring training to play exhibition games against one another. The first Spring Breakout game will feature the Rays' prospects – ranked the best in the league, per MLB Pipeline – taking on the Red Sox prospects – ranked No. 7 – on Thursday, March 13.
When does the MLB regular season start?
Just as it did last year, the MLB regular season will begin with a two-game series in Tokyo. This year's series will be between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19.
The traditional opening day, featuring all 30 MLB teams, is set for Thursday, March 27.