Valley Baseball Takeover: Your guide to 2026 Spring Training

The Cactus League kicks off in Arizona on Feb. 20. Here is all you need to know before heading out to catch a game.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cactus League, which features 15 Major League Baseball teams preparing for the upcoming season, will take over the Valley of Arizona for six weeks starting on February 20. Fans can catch games at any of the 10 ballparks across the region, from Goodyear to Mesa, with teams sharing stadiums or having their own dedicated spaces.

Why it matters

Spring Training is a beloved annual tradition that brings baseball fans together and gives them an intimate, up-close experience with their favorite teams and players as they get ready for the regular season. The Cactus League's presence in the Valley also provides an economic boost to the region through increased tourism, ticket sales, and other spending.

The details

The Cactus League has been around since 1947, giving rookies a chance to showcase their talents and returning players to sharpen their skills. This year, the 15 participating teams are the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers. Fans can catch games at 10 different ballparks across the Valley, with some teams sharing stadiums and others having their own dedicated spaces.

  • The Cactus League starts on February 20 and ends on March 24.
  • Games happen throughout the day, with the earliest starting around noon and the latest starting around 6 p.m.

The players

Cactus League

An annual spring training event for Major League Baseball teams, held in Arizona since 1947.

Arizona Diamondbacks

One of the 15 MLB teams participating in the Cactus League, sharing a ballpark with the Colorado Rockies.

San Francisco Giants

One of the 15 MLB teams participating in the Cactus League, playing at Scottsdale Stadium.

Oakland Athletics

One of the 15 MLB teams participating in the Cactus League, playing at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa.

Chicago Cubs

One of the 15 MLB teams participating in the Cactus League, playing at Sloan Park in Mesa.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Cactus League's return to the Valley is an exciting time for baseball fans, offering a chance to see their favorite teams and players up close in a more intimate setting as they prepare for the upcoming season. With 10 ballparks hosting 15 different MLB teams, there are plenty of opportunities for fans to catch a game and soak up the spring training atmosphere.