When Does Preseason Baseball Start? 2025 Schedule

By Sarah Miller · January 29, 2033

MLB spring training, the official preseason for Major League Baseball, typically begins in mid-February, with pitchers and catchers reporting first around February 12–15, followed by full squad workouts a few days later. The exact start dates vary slightly each year based on the regular season schedule and collective bargaining agreements.

What Is Preseason Baseball?

Preseason baseball, commonly known as spring training, is the period when Major League Baseball (MLB) teams prepare for the upcoming regular season. It includes physical evaluations, skill development, and practice games called exhibition or spring games. These games allow managers to evaluate players, especially rookies and non-guaranteed roster candidates, under game conditions.

Key Objectives of Spring Training

Assess player fitness and readiness after the offseason
Evaluate rookie and minor league talent for potential roster spots
Test new strategies, lineups, and pitching rotations
Rehabilitate injured players in low-pressure environments
Build team chemistry before the regular season

When Does MLB Spring Training Start?

The start of MLB preseason follows a consistent annual pattern:

Pitchers and catchers report: First group to arrive, usually 4–7 days before their first workout. They begin conditioning and bullpen sessions.
First full-squad workout: Occurs 2–3 days after pitchers and catchers report, marking the official team assembly.
First spring training game: Typically held around late February or early March.

Year	Pitchers & Catchers Report	Full Squad Report	First Exhibition Game	Regular Season Start
2025	February 12–15	February 17–20	February 22	March 26 (Japan Series)
2024	February 13	February 18	February 24	March 20 (Seoul Series)
2023	February 14	February 19	February 25	March 30
2022	February 16	February 21	March 1	April 7
2021	February 17	February 22	March 2	April 1

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that pitchers and catchers consistently report between February 12 and 17 each year, with full squads assembling within five days. Spring games begin approximately 10 days after initial reporting. The 2025 season follows this established timeline, maintaining continuity despite occasional international openers affecting the regular season start date.

Spring Training Locations and Leagues

MLB spring training is primarily held in Florida and Arizona, known as the Grapefruit League and Cactus League, respectively.

Grapefruit League (Florida)

Teams: 15 MLB clubs train in cities like Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Fort Myers
Venues: Historic ballparks such as Hammond Stadium and Publix Field
Season Duration: Games run from late February through late March

Cactus League (Arizona)

Teams: 15 clubs based in the Phoenix metropolitan area
Venues: Modern facilities like Sloan Park and Salt River Fields
Advantages: Warmer, drier climate; newer stadiums with fan-friendly layouts

How Preseason Impacts Regular Season Performance

While spring training stats are not predictive of regular-season success, the period is crucial for team preparation. Managers use it to finalize rosters, often cutting 30+ players from expanded spring rosters down to 26-man active lists.

Common Preseason Challenges

Injury risk: Early overuse can lead to setbacks, especially for pitchers ramping up workload.
Roster uncertainty: Competition for backup roles creates pressure but also motivation.
Travel logistics: Teams hosting camps must coordinate staff, medical personnel, and equipment transport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preseason Baseball

When does 2025 MLB spring training start?

Pitchers and catchers for most MLB teams will report in mid-February 2025, with the first official workouts beginning around February 17. The first exhibition games are scheduled for February 22, 2025.

How long is MLB preseason?

MLB spring training lasts about 5–6 weeks, starting in mid-February and ending just before Opening Day in late March or early April. Players typically have 30+ days of practice and 25–30 exhibition games.

Do spring training stats count?

No, spring training statistics do not count toward official MLB records. These games are for evaluation and conditioning, so performance metrics like batting average or ERA are generally disregarded in favor of health and readiness.

Why do pitchers and catchers report earlier?

Pitchers require more time to build arm strength safely after the offseason, while catchers need extra preparation due to their physically demanding role. Reporting early allows gradual progression to live-game intensity.

Where is MLB spring training held?

MLB spring training is held in two primary locations: Florida (Grapefruit League) and Arizona (Cactus League). Each hosts 15 teams at dedicated complexes across the state.