The 2025 MLB Spring Training schedule is underway. The Cactus League opened on Feb. 20 with the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Chicago Cubs in Glendale, Arizona, and the Grapefruit League followed on Feb. 21 with the New York Yankees hosting the Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa, Florida. See the full slate and plan your trip with the 2025 MLB Spring Training schedule. According to Major League Baseball, Spring Training opened Feb. 20–21, 2025 with those season-opening matchups as listed in the official release. MLB announced the 2025 Spring Training schedule.
Each club plays around 30 games in the Grapefruit or Cactus League as tune-ups for the regular season, which opened in 2025 with the Tokyo Opening Series on March 18 and 19 featuring the Dodgers and Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. Below is a closer look at Spring Training and where to watch your team in Arizona and Florida.
What is Spring Training?
Spring Training is MLB’s preseason. Over more than a month, veterans sharpen their timing, pitchers build workload, and prospects make a push for Opening Day rosters. Teams are split into the Grapefruit League in Florida and the Cactus League in Arizona.
While spring stats are recorded, they do not count toward regular-season totals. The result is a relaxed, fan-friendly atmosphere that is perfect for families and travelers. Many parks feature shaded concourses, family restrooms, and grassy berms that create extra standing room and a casual vibe.
What is Different for 2025?
MLB introduced two minor rule changes for 2025:
- Shift rule enforcement: If an infielder violates the shift rule and is the first to touch the ball on a play, the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance one base. Previously, the penalty was an automatic ball. Learn more from MLB on 2025 rules.
- Baserunning abandonment: If a runner overruns second or third base and is deemed to have abandoned the base, the umpire can call the runner out even if the ball arrives after the touch.
Spring fans also got the second annual MLB Spring Breakout event from March 13 to 16, showcasing rising Minor League prospects at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums. Details and timing were confirmed by MLB’s game times release, which also notes the Tokyo Opening Series on March 18–19.
Cactus League Ballparks
- Arizona Diamondbacks – Salt River Fields at Talking Stick – Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, AZ
Salt River Fields hosts both the Diamondbacks and Rockies on the same complex and has earned multiple top ballpark experience awards.
- 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
Tempe Diablo Stadium is the oldest active Cactus League venue, originally built in 1969.
- 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
Pro tip: Base your trip in Scottsdale or Tempe for easy access to multiple parks. Some nearby shopping areas like Mesa Riverview and Tempe Marketplace offer free parking with trolley service to select games. Stadiums typically open one to two hours before first pitch, so arrive early for autographs during morning workouts.
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 – CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches – West Palm Beach, FL
- Miami Marlins – Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Jupiter, FL
- Minnesota Twins – Lee Health 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 – CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches – West Palm Beach, FL
Trip planning tip: Group games by geography to cut drive time. Sarasota, Fort Myers, and West Palm Beach make great home bases and allow quick day trips to several nearby parks. Florida’s Grapefruit League draws more than a million fans annually (1.4M+ in 2024) and generates hundreds of millions in economic activity, making it a major tourism driver for the state, according to the Florida Sports Foundation summary of Spring Training. Many spring parks include shaded concourses and grassy berms that add comfort and extra standing room.
Planning Your Spring Training Trip
- Lock in airfare first, then book hotels and tickets. Midweek flights often produce better fares.
- Prioritize two or three ballparks and build a simple route. Multi-game days are possible in both leagues.
- Families should arrive for morning workouts around 9 a.m. to watch drills and seek autographs.
- Consider mini plans or flex packs when available. Some teams offer small plans that let you redeem games across the spring schedule.
- Travel packages can bundle game tickets with nearby hotels and optional flights for convenience and potential savings.
Spring Training Tickets
Catch tomorrow’s stars and enjoy a great day at the ballpark with 2025 MLB Spring Training tickets from TicketSmarter. As of 2025, TicketSmarter is proud to be an authorized ticket marketplace of MLB, giving fans a secure and reliable way to buy Spring Training and regular-season seats.
If you are traveling to see your team, visit HotelPlanner for exclusive TicketSmarter travel deals and convenient stays near your chosen ballparks.
FAQs
When did 2025 MLB Spring Training start?
The Cactus League opened on Feb. 20 with Dodgers vs. Cubs in Glendale. The Grapefruit League opened on Feb. 21 with the Yankees hosting the Rays in Tampa. TicketSmarter lists tickets across both leagues as schedules update. These opening dates and matchups are listed in MLB’s official Spring Training announcement. MLB announced the 2025 Spring Training schedule.
What are the rule changes for 2025 Spring Training games?
Two minor changes are in effect. A shift violation by an infielder who first touches the ball awards the batter first base and advances all runners one base, and a runner who overruns second or third can be called out for abandonment. Fans can see these rules in action throughout Spring Training. For full context, see MLB’s 2025 rules overview. TicketSmarter offers seats to games where these updates apply.
Where can I watch MLB Spring Breakout prospects in 2025?
Spring Breakout games were held March 13 to 16 at Cactus and Grapefruit League stadiums, showcasing top prospects. Check team pages and TicketSmarter listings for future prospect showcases and similar events. MLB confirmed Spring Breakout dates and game times alongside the regular-season and Tokyo Opening Series schedule. MLB published game times and Spring Breakout details.
Which stadiums host Cactus League teams?
Cactus League parks include Salt River Fields, Sloan Park, Camelback Ranch, Goodyear Ballpark, Surprise Stadium, Tempe Diablo Stadium, American Family Fields of Phoenix, Hohokam Stadium, Peoria Sports Complex, and Scottsdale Stadium. Salt River Fields is shared by the Diamondbacks and Rockies and is a frequent fan favorite. TicketSmarter has ticket options for every park.
How do I compare Grapefruit vs. Cactus League experiences?
Arizona parks are clustered around Phoenix, making multi-game days easy. Florida offers coastal drives with several two-team complexes such as the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Many venues feature shaded concourses and berm seating. Browse TicketSmarter inventory and use HotelPlanner to base yourself near your preferred cluster.
What is the best way to buy authorized Spring Training tickets and travel packages?
Buy directly through TicketSmarter for verified ticket options across both leagues. Look for mini plans or flex packs offered by teams, and consider bundled travel packages that include game tickets and hotel stays. HotelPlanner provides exclusive TicketSmarter hotel deals close to stadiums.
How can I plan flights, hotels, and tickets for a multi-city trip?
Start with airfare, then reserve hotels near targeted parks, and finally secure game tickets. Group games by geography to reduce driving. Arrive early for morning workouts and autograph chances. TicketSmarter and HotelPlanner simplify booking for both tickets and accommodations.
Updated date: December 12, 2025
