When Does the Baseball Season Start in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · November 5, 2033

The Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season typically begins in late March or early April, with the 2025 season scheduled to start on Thursday, March 27. This opening date applies to most teams, though select games may be played earlier due to international series or special events.

Understanding the MLB Season Schedule

The structure of the MLB season is carefully planned each year to balance competitive play, player rest, and global outreach. The official start date can vary slightly from year to year based on factors such as stadium availability, television scheduling, and international promotions.

Key Phases of the MLB Calendar

Spring Training: Begins in mid-February, allowing players to prepare physically and compete in exhibition games.
Opening Day: Traditionally marks the beginning of the regular season in late March or early April.
Regular Season: Consists of a 162-game schedule per team over approximately six months.
Postseason: Starts in early October, culminating in the World Series.

Factors That Influence Opening Day Timing

While MLB aims for consistency, several variables affect when the season officially kicks off:

Weather Conditions: Cold-weather cities may face delays; domed stadiums offer more flexibility.
International Games: Matchups held in countries like Japan or Mexico often precede domestic openers.
Television Broadcasts: Networks coordinate prime-time slots, sometimes shifting dates slightly.
Player Agreements: Collective bargaining agreements between owners and players can impact scheduling.

Historical Start Dates and Trends

Year	Opening Day Date	Notable Events
2025	March 27	Domestic start; possible international games earlier
2024	March 28	Marlins vs Phillies in London Series
2023	March 30	No international openers
2022	April 7	Delayed by lockout
2019	March 28	Astros vs Angels in opener
2010	April 4	Late start due to Easter weekend
2000	March 29	First full season after strike resolution

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that since 2000, MLB has consistently opened between March 28 and April 7, with exceptions caused by labor disputes or special events. The trend indicates a preference for late March starts to maximize playoff visibility in October. International series have become increasingly common, pushing some games into mid-March while domestic play begins later.

How Different Leagues Compare

While MLB sets the standard in North America, other professional leagues follow different calendars:

Nippon Professional Baseball (Japan): Starts in late March.
KBO League (South Korea): Begins in late March.
Chinese Professional Baseball League (Taiwan): Opens in mid-March.
Minor League Baseball: Aligns closely with MLB, usually starting in early April.

This alignment allows for potential player transfers and scouting coordination across international systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About When the Baseball Season Starts

When does the 2025 MLB season begin?

The 2025 MLB regular season is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 27, with most teams playing their first game on that day. Some matchups may occur earlier if held abroad.

Why does the baseball season start in March or April?

Baseball traditionally starts in spring to avoid winter weather that could disrupt outdoor games, especially in northern U.S. cities. Starting in late March aligns with seasonal warming and maximizes fair-weather playing conditions.

Do all MLB teams start on the same day?

Most teams begin on Opening Day, but not all. Due to scheduling logistics, travel constraints, or international series, some teams may play a day or two earlier or later than others.

What is Spring Training, and when does it start?

Spring Training is a preseason period where players report to camp for physical conditioning and practice. It begins in mid-February, featuring exhibition games known as spring training games through late March.

Has the MLB season ever started later than April?

Yes, the 2022 season began on April 7 due to a lockout during collective bargaining negotiations. Other delays occurred in 1990 and 1981 due to labor disputes, pushing openings into April.