In just a few weeks, pitchers and catchers will report to their respective clubs signaling the start of the MLB 2023 Spring Training schedule. The first games are set for Feb. 24 and all 30 teams will take the field the following day.
Each squad will play around 30 games in the Grapefruit or Cactus League in preparation for the 2023 season which starts March 30. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the MLB 2023 Spring Training schedule below and tell you where you can find your favorite teams.
What is Spring Training?
Spring Training serves as the preseason period for Major League Baseball. Lasting more than a month, it allows veterans to get back up to speed and newcomers to make a final push for their spot on an Opening Day roster. Teams are split into the Grapefruit League and Cactus League to compete in Florida and Arizona, respectively.
Although teams do record statistics during spring training games, they do not combine them with regular season statistics. This makes for a more casual and entertaining atmosphere for preseason competitions. It has also helped spring training games become a popular addition to family vacation plans.
What is Different for 2023?
Last fall, MLB introduced three new rule changes that begin with spring training. The first is a pitch timer, which is meant to improve the pace of play. Pitchers will have 15 seconds between pitches when the bases are empty and 20 when there is at least one runner on base. The second restricts defensive shifts by requiring two infielders on each side of second base and all four infielders positioned within the outer boundary of the infield when the pitcher is on the rubber. This is meant to keep more balls in play. Finally, each field will feature 18-inch bases as a safety precaution. Previously, the league used 15-inch plates.
The 2023 spring training schedule also aligns with the World Baseball Classic which begins March 11 with pool play in Phoenix, Ariz., and Miami, Fla. Given the proximity to existing Spring Training sites, several MLB teams will include exhibition games against WBC teams on March 8 and 9. National teams will also hold training camps at select major league facilities. Later rounds for both pools will move to Miami. The World Baseball Classic Final is scheduled for March 21.
Cactus League Ballparks
- Arizona Diamondbacks – Salt River Fields at Talking Stick – Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, AZ
- Chicago Cubs – Sloan Park – Mesa, AZ
- Chicago White Sox – Camelback Ranch – Phoenix, AZ
- Cincinnati Reds – Goodyear Ballpark – Goodyear, AZ
- Cleveland Guardians – Goodyear Ballpark – Goodyear, AZ
- Colorado Rockies – Salt River Fields at Talking Stick – Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, AZ
- Kansas City Royals – Surprise Stadium – Surprise, AZ
- Los Angeles Angels – Tempe Diablo Stadium – Tempe, AZ
- Los Angeles Dodgers – Camelback Ranch – Phoenix, AZ
- Milwaukee Brewers – American Family Fields of Phoenix – Phoenix, AZ
- Oakland Athletics – Hohokam Stadium – Mesa, AZ
- San Diego Padres – Peoria Sports Complex – Peoria, AZ
- San Francisco Giants – Scottsdale Stadium – Scottsdale, AZ
- Seattle Mariners – Peoria Sports Complex – Peoria, AZ
- Texas Rangers – Surprise Stadium – Surprise, AZ
Grapefruit League Ballparks
- Atlanta Braves – CoolToday Park – North Port, FL
- Baltimore Orioles – Ed Smith Stadium – Sarasota, FL
- Boston Red Sox – JetBlue Park at Fenway South – Fort Myers, FL
- Detroit Tigers – Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland, FL
- Houston Astros – Ballpark of the Palm Beaches – West Palm Beach, FL
- Miami Marlins – Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Jupiter, FL
- Minnesota Twins – CenturyLink Sports Complex – Fort Myers, FL
- New York Mets – Clover Park – Port St. Lucie, FL
- New York Yankees – George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa, FL
- Philadelphia Phillies – BayCare Ballpark – Clearwater, FL
- Pittsburgh Pirates – LECOM Park – Bradenton, FL
- St. Louis Cardinals – Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Jupiter, FL
- Tampa Bay Rays – Charlotte Sports Park – Port Charlotte, FL
- Toronto Blue Jays – TD Ballpark – Dunedin, FL
- Washington Nationals – Ballpark of the Palm Beaches – West Palm Beach, FL
Spring Training Tickets
Catch a glimpse at tomorrow’s stars and see a great game with MLB 2023 Spring Training tickets from TicketSmarter. If you are traveling to see your team, visit HotelPlanner for exclusive TicketSmarter travel deals.
