When Is the MLB Season? 2025 Schedule & Key Dates

By Sarah Miller · December 27, 2036

The Major League Baseball (MLB) season typically runs from late March or early April through early October, with the 2025 regular season scheduled to begin on March 18 and end on September 28. Postseason play follows immediately, culminating in the World Series.

When Does the MLB Season Start and End?

The MLB regular season usually begins in late March or early April and concludes in late September or early October. The exact dates vary slightly each year due to scheduling, international games, and special events like the Opening Series in Japan.

Key Season Dates for 2025

Regular Season Start: March 18, 2025 (Opening Series in Japan)
Regular Season Start (U.S.): March 27, 2025
All-Star Game: July 15, 2025 (George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa)
Regular Season End: September 28, 2025
Postseason Begins: October 1, 2025
World Series: October 25 – November 2, 2025 (projected)

Structure of the MLB Season

The MLB season is divided into three main phases: Spring Training, the Regular Season, and the Postseason.

Spring Training

Held annually from mid-February to late March, Spring Training allows teams to prepare for the regular season. Games are played in Florida (Grapefruit League) and Arizona (Cactus League).

Regular Season

Each of the 30 MLB teams plays 162 games over approximately six months. The schedule includes divisional matchups, interleague play, and rivalry series.

Postseason

The postseason features 12 teams (6 from each league) and includes:

Wild Card Series (best-of-three)
Division Series (best-of-five)
League Championship Series (best-of-seven)
World Series (best-of-seven)

MLB Season Schedule Breakdown by Year

Year	Regular Season Start	Regular Season End	All-Star Game	World Series Champion
2021	April 1	October 3	July 13	Atlanta Braves
2022	April 7	October 5	July 19	Houston Astros
2023	March 30	October 1	July 11	Texas Rangers
2024	March 20 (Japan)	September 29	July 16	TBD
2025 (Projected)	March 18 (Japan)	September 28	July 15	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows a trend toward earlier start dates, especially with international openers. Seasons now frequently begin in March when global games are scheduled. The All-Star Game consistently falls in mid-July, serving as the symbolic midpoint of the season.

Factors Influencing the MLB Season Calendar

Several elements impact the timing and structure of the MLB season:

International Openers: Games in Japan, Mexico, or London can shift opening dates earlier.
Olympic Years: Player participation may affect scheduling, though MLB players have not regularly participated since 2008.
Weather Considerations: Northern cities require later starts to avoid snow and cold delays.
Broadcast Agreements: Networks like ESPN, Fox, and Apple influence game day selections and prime-time slots.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MLB Season

How long is the MLB season?

The MLB regular season spans about six months, with each team playing 162 games. Including Spring Training and the Postseason, the total baseball season lasts roughly eight months, from mid-February to early November.

Why does the MLB season start so early in some years?

The season starts earlier when MLB schedules international opening series, such as in Japan or South Korea, to maximize global viewership and promote the sport abroad. These games often occur in mid-March, before the U.S.-based games begin.

How many games are in the MLB regular season?

Each MLB team plays 162 regular-season games, one of the longest schedules in professional sports. This extensive season helps minimize the impact of short-term variance and better identifies the most consistent teams.

What months does MLB play?

MLB teams play official games from March through October. Spring Training runs from mid-February to late March, the regular season from late March/early April to late September/early October, and the Postseason from October to early November.

Does the MLB season always end in October?

The regular season ends in late September or early October, but the Postseason extends into late October and sometimes early November. The World Series has been played in November in recent years due to expanded playoffs and scheduling changes.