As winter fades, baseball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the return of America’s pastime. The 2025 Arizona Spring Training is set to commence on Thursday, February 20, featuring the Chicago Cubs against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch in Glendale. This annual event offers fans an intimate glimpse into team preparations, player evaluations, and the vibrant atmosphere that defines the Cactus League.
Scheduled Games and Ticket Information for 2025 Arizona Spring Training
The 2025 Cactus League comprises 15 Major League Baseball teams competing across 10 venues in Maricopa County, running through Tuesday, March 25. For a comprehensive schedule and the latest updates, fans can visit the official Cactus League website.
Ticket Purchasing:
- Official Team Websites: Each team offers tickets through their official MLB sites.
- Stadium Box Offices: Tickets can be purchased directly at stadium box offices, with on-sale dates varying by venue.
- Authorized Resellers: Platforms like SeatGeek provide official 2025 Arizona Spring Training tickets, offering a range of seating options and prices.
Ticket Pricing:
Prices vary based on team, venue, and seating choice. For example:
- Surprise Stadium: Hosting the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers, offers season ticket packages starting at 25% off single-game prices.
- Peoria Sports Complex: Home to the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, provides single-game tickets with prices starting around $21.
It’s advisable to purchase tickets early, especially for marquee matchups, as popular games can sell out quickly.
When Does 2025 Arizona Spring Training Begin?
While many players arrive at their teams’ facilities early to train informally, each team has an official reporting date for pitchers and catchers, followed by a date for the full squad to arrive. These dates mark the official beginning of 2025 Arizona Spring Training, setting the stage for weeks of preparation before Opening Day.
Because the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are scheduled to open the 2025 MLB season in Tokyo, Japan, the Cubs have the earliest report dates of any team. Their pitchers and catchers are due to arrive on February 9, with full-squad workouts starting on February 14.
Here is the full breakdown of 2025 Spring Training report dates for all teams participating in the Cactus League and Grapefruit League:
Cactus League (Arizona-Based Teams)
- Chicago Cubs – Feb. 9 (Pitchers & Catchers), Feb. 14 (Full Squad)
- Chicago White Sox – Feb. 12, Feb. 17
- Cincinnati Reds – Feb. 12, Feb. 17
- Cleveland Guardians – Feb. 13, Feb. 18
- Colorado Rockies – Feb. 13, Feb. 18
- Kansas City Royals – Feb. 12, Feb. 17
- Los Angeles Angels – Feb. 12, Feb. 17
- Los Angeles Dodgers – Feb. 11, Feb. 15
- Milwaukee Brewers – Feb. 13, Feb. 18
- Oakland Athletics – Feb. 12, Feb. 17
- San Diego Padres – Feb. 12, Feb. 17
- San Francisco Giants – Feb. 12, Feb. 17
- Seattle Mariners – Feb. 13, Feb. 18
- Texas Rangers – Feb. 12, Feb. 17
- Arizona Diamondbacks – Feb. 12, Feb. 17
Key Storylines and Roster Battles
Spring Training is a period of evaluation and excitement, with several compelling narratives unfolding:
1. New Faces in New Places:
- Max Scherzer: The veteran pitcher has signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, aiming for a strong comeback after recent injuries.
- Pete Alonso: Re-signed with the New York Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal, including an opt-out after the first year.
2. Prospects on the Rise:
- Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer: These top prospects have propelled the Boston Red Sox to the top of Baseball America’s farm system rankings.
3. Position Battles:
- New York Yankees: With the departure of Gleyber Torres, the Yankees are exploring options to fill the void at second base, considering both free-agent signings and potential trades.
- Philadelphia Phillies: Several players are vying for roster spots, with management’s decisions expected to significantly impact the team’s 2025 season.
These storylines add layers of intrigue to the preseason, offering fans a glimpse into the strategic decisions that will shape the upcoming MLB season.
The Fan Experience
Attending Spring Training in Arizona provides a unique opportunity to enjoy baseball in a more relaxed and intimate setting. Here’s what fans can expect:
Stadium Seating and Shaded Areas:
- Camelback Ranch (Glendale): Home to the Dodgers and White Sox, this stadium offers shaded seating primarily behind home plate and along the first-base line.
- Sloan Park (Mesa): Hosting the Chicago Cubs, Sloan Park provides shaded areas in the upper sections behind home plate.
- Surprise Stadium (Surprise): Shared by the Royals and Rangers, fans can find shade in sections 101-106 during afternoon games.
- Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Scottsdale): Home to the Diamondbacks and Rockies, offers ample shaded seating along the first and third baselines.
Ticket Pricing:
- Single-Game Tickets: Prices typically range from $15 to $50, depending on the matchup and seating location.
- Season Tickets: Many stadiums offer packages that provide savings over individual game tickets.
Parking Information:
- General Parking: Most stadiums charge between $5 and $10 for general parking.
- Preferred Parking: Available at select venues for $15 to $20, offering closer proximity to stadium entrances.
Tips for Staying Cool:
- Hydration: Bring a refillable water bottle; many stadiums have hydration stations.
- Attire: Wear light-colored, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen regularly and consider bringing a portable fan or cooling towel.
Additional Fan Activities:
- Autograph Opportunities: Players are often more accessible during Spring Training, especially during warm-ups.
- Local Cuisine: Stadiums feature a variety of food options, including local favorites and traditional ballpark fare.
- Family-Friendly Events: Many venues offer activities for children, such as batting cages and interactive games.
For Fans Watching from Home
If attending in person isn’t feasible, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Spring Training:
- Broadcasts: Many games are televised or streamed online. Check your local sports networks or team websites for schedules.
- Social Media: Teams actively share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and live coverage on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
- Radio: Tune into local sports radio stations or online broadcasts for live game commentary.
The 2025 Tokyo Series: A Historic Start to the MLB Season
While most teams will still be fine-tuning their lineups in Arizona and Florida, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers will kick off the 2025 MLB season early in a highly anticipated Tokyo Series. This unique event, set for Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19, brings Major League Baseball back to Japan for the first time since 2019, providing a global stage for some of the game’s biggest stars.
Why the 2025 Tokyo Series Matters
The Tokyo Series isn’t just about starting the season a week early—it’s about showcasing baseball’s global influence. With a growing fanbase in Japan and an influx of elite Japanese talent in MLB, these games are a celebration of the sport’s international reach.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
Baseball fans worldwide will be watching as two of the sport’s most popular franchises take the field at the Tokyo Dome. This series will feature an incredible matchup of Japanese superstars playing on both sides.
- Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) – Baseball’s most electrifying two-way player, Ohtani returns to Japan as the biggest global ambassador the sport has ever seen. Expect a massive reception from the home crowd.
- Roki Sasaki (Dodgers) – One of Japan’s most dominant pitchers, Sasaki will make his MLB debut after signing with the Dodgers in the offseason. His triple-digit fastball and wipeout splitter will be must-watch baseball.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) – Another high-profile Japanese pitcher, Yamamoto was one of the biggest signings of the offseason and will be making his first MLB regular-season start in front of his home country.
- Shota Imanaga (Cubs) – The Cubs’ offseason addition will go head-to-head with his fellow Japanese pitchers, representing one of the strongest waves of Japanese pitching talent ever to join MLB.
- Seiya Suzuki (Cubs) – The Cubs outfielder, a former NPB superstar, will return to Japan for this special series, where he’ll be a fan favorite at the Tokyo Dome.
Game Times and Viewing Schedule
Both games will be played at 7:10 p.m. local time in Tokyo, which translates to:
- 3:10 a.m. PT (Los Angeles)
- 6:10 a.m. ET (New York)
For U.S. fans, this means early-morning baseball, making it a unique viewing experience. Expect MLB Network and other broadcasters to provide special coverage, including pre-game features on Japanese baseball culture and the significance of MLB’s return to Tokyo.
The 2024 MLB Winter Meetings: Shaping the 2025 Spring Training Landscape
The 2024 MLB Winter Meetings, held in Dallas from December 8 to 11, were a pivotal event that significantly influenced the dynamics of the upcoming 2025 Spring Training. This annual gathering of baseball executives, agents, and media serves as a hotbed for major transactions, setting the stage for team strategies and player movements.
Key Transactions and Their Impact on Spring Training:
- Juan Soto’s Record-Breaking Contract with the Mets:
- Outfielder Juan Soto made headlines by signing a historic 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets, marking the largest contract in MLB history. This acquisition not only bolsters the Mets’ lineup but also sets high expectations for their performance in the 2025 season. Fans will be keen to observe how Soto integrates into the team during Spring Training and the subsequent impact on the Mets’ offensive strategies.
- Max Fried’s Landmark Agreement with the Yankees:
- In response to losing Soto, the New York Yankees secured left-handed starter Max Fried with a record-setting contract. Fried’s addition aims to strengthen the Yankees’ pitching rotation, and his performance during Spring Training will be closely monitored as an indicator of the team’s pitching prowess for the upcoming season.
- Garrett Crochet’s Move to the Red Sox:
- The Boston Red Sox acquired left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet in a significant trade with the Chicago White Sox. This move is expected to enhance the Red Sox’s bullpen depth. Observers will be interested in how Crochet adapts to his new team dynamics during Spring Training sessions.
2025 MLB Opening Day: The Rest of the League Gets Started
After the Tokyo Series wraps up, the rest of Major League Baseball will officially begin the season on Thursday, March 27. A total of 28 teams will be in action, with the first game featuring the Milwaukee Brewers taking on the New York Yankees at 3:05 p.m. ET in the Bronx.
Opening Weekend Highlights:
- Thursday, March 27 – 14 teams play, including major market matchups.
- Friday, March 28 – Nine additional games on the schedule.
- Saturday, March 29 – The first full slate of 15 games, featuring all 30 teams in action.
Expect a jam-packed weekend of baseball, with new faces in new places, top prospects making their debuts, and early statement games for teams hoping to make a run in 2025.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 MLB Season
As Spring Training progresses, anticipation builds for the regular season. Early predictions suggest a competitive year, with several teams poised to make significant impacts. Fans are eager to see how offseason moves and player development will translate into on-field success.
In conclusion, the 2025 Arizona Spring Training offers a wealth of experiences for both attendees and remote fans. Whether you’re soaking in the sun at the ballpark or following along from home, this period serves as a delightful prelude to the excitement of the upcoming MLB season.
