Super Bowl LIX is set to take place on Sunday, making it one of the most anticipated days in the sports world as the Chiefs and Eagles go head-to-head. However, Feb. 9 marks another significant event: the kick-off of MLB spring training, signaling the start of the annual preparation for the upcoming regular season.
Teams will engage in six weeks of intense workouts, practices, scrimmage games, and position battles as they gear up for the MLB season ahead. Here’s everything you need to know about the beginning of spring training.
Discover more: Assessing each team’s offseason performance, ranging from top marks for the Dodgers to failing grades for the Padres and Mariners
Where is spring training held?
Spring training takes place in Arizona and Florida. The Cactus League consists of fifteen teams, including the Brewers, Cubs, Reds, Royals, White Sox, Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks, Giants, Rockies, Mariners, Rangers, Athletics, and Angels, who have training facilities in the Phoenix area.
On the other hand, the Grapefruit League comprises the remaining fifteen teams, such as the Yankees, Orioles, Red Sox, Rays, Blue Jays, Phillies, Braves, Mets, Nationals, Marlins, Cardinals, Pirates, Tigers, Twins, and Astros, who train in various locations across Florida.
With seven teams sharing spring training facilities, a total of 23 ballparks host spring training games every year. Notably, George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training stadium, will also accommodate the Tampa Bay Rays during the regular season due to damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton on their St. Petersburg ballpark.
When does spring training begin?
While many players engage in informal workouts at their team’s facilities prior to the official start of spring training, each team establishes specific reporting dates for pitchers, catchers, and the full squad.
This year, the Chicago Cubs have the earliest report dates due to their season opener against the Dodgers in Tokyo. Pitchers and catchers are required to report on Feb. 9, with the full squad joining on Feb. 14.
Here are the reporting dates for the rest of the teams:
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Yankees: Feb. 12 and Feb. 17
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Orioles: Feb. 13 and Feb. 18
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Red Sox: Feb. 12 and Feb. 17
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Rays: Feb. 11 and Feb. 16
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And so on…
When do the games start?
The first spring training game is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20, at 3:05 p.m. ET, featuring the Dodgers and Cubs at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. The following day, on Feb. 21, the Rays and Yankees will face off at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, marking the beginning of games in Florida. All 30 teams will be in action on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Here are the first games for each team:
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Yankees: Feb. 21 vs. Rays (1:05 p.m. ET)
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Orioles: Feb. 22 vs. Pirates (1:05 p.m. ET)
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Red Sox: Feb. 22 at Rays (1:05 p.m. ET)
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Rays: Feb. 21 at Yankees (1:05 p.m. ET)
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And so on…
Is the spring breakout series returning?
Yes, the spring breakout series featuring the top prospects from each MLB organization is making a comeback. Scheduled for March 13-16 in Arizona and Florida, this series showcases upcoming talent and is highly anticipated by fans.
The series will kick off with games on Thursday, March 13, with matchups like Red Sox vs. Rays and Cubs vs. Dodgers. The excitement continues with games on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, culminating in the final games on Sunday, March 16.
When is the Tokyo Series?
The Tokyo Series is set for Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19, featuring the Dodgers and Cubs in Japan. This unique event provides fans with an early glimpse of regular-season action as these two teams face off on an international stage at the Tokyo Dome.
With standout players like Shohei Ohtani and exciting matchups planned, the Tokyo Series promises to be a thrilling start to the MLB season.
When is Opening Day?
Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, with 28 teams competing on the field. The Brewers will kick off the season against the Yankees at 3:05 p.m. ET in the Bronx. The following days will see more games, leading up to a full slate of 15 games on Saturday, March 29.
Here is the complete schedule for Opening Day:
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Brewers at Yankees, 3:05 p.m. ET
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Orioles at Blue Jays, 3:07 p.m. ET
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Red Sox at Rangers, 4:05 p.m. ET
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Phillies at Nationals, 4:05 p.m. ET
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And so on…
What’s the latest on the uniforms?
Last season, baseball uniforms faced scrutiny due to issues like smaller names and numbers on jerseys, see-through fabric, and ill-fitting pants. In response, MLB and Nike have made changes for the 2025 season, including larger names and numbers, improved fabric, and customizable pant options to address player concerns.
Uniforms will be closely monitored this spring to ensure players’ comfort and performance are not compromised.
One more thing to watch: Pitcher injuries
Following a wave of pitcher injuries last spring that impacted star players like Shane Bieber and Spencer Strider, teams will be cautious during spring training to prevent similar setbacks. Monitoring player health and adjusting training programs to minimize injuries will be a key focus this season.