MLB Spring Training Games Set to Begin in 2026

Fans eagerly await the start of the 2026 MLB season as teams gather in Arizona and Florida for spring training.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Major League Baseball's 30 teams are set to begin spring training in February 2026 ahead of the upcoming regular season. The first official spring training games will take place on Friday, February 20, with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles kicking off the Grapefruit League slate. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who are favored to win their third consecutive World Series title, will play their first Cactus League game on Saturday, February 21. With the World Baseball Classic beginning on March 5, participating players will soon depart their clubs' camps to gather with national teams before the 2026 regular season starts on March 25.

Why it matters

The start of spring training marks the unofficial beginning of the new MLB season, as fans eagerly await the return of baseball and the chance to see their favorite teams and players back in action. The spring training schedule also provides a glimpse into the upcoming season, with teams testing out new players, strategies, and lineups before the games start to count.

The details

The first official spring training games will take place on Friday, February 20, with the New York Yankees taking on the Baltimore Orioles in the Grapefruit League and the Kansas City Royals facing the Texas Rangers. Other notable matchups on the opening day include the Chicago White Sox vs. the Chicago Cubs, the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. the Colorado Rockies, and the San Diego Padres vs. the Seattle Mariners. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who are the favorites to win the World Series, will play their first Cactus League game on Saturday, February 21 against the Los Angeles Angels.

  • The first official spring training games will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers will play their first Cactus League game on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • The World Baseball Classic will begin on March 5, 2026, causing participating players to depart their clubs' camps.
  • The 2026 MLB regular season will begin on March 25, 2026, with the San Francisco Giants hosting the New York Yankees.

The players

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites to win their third consecutive World Series title in 2026.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees will kick off the Grapefruit League slate on February 20, 2026, when they face the Baltimore Orioles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The start of spring training marks the unofficial beginning of the new MLB season, as fans eagerly await the return of baseball and the chance to see their favorite teams and players back in action. The spring training schedule provides a glimpse into the upcoming season, with teams testing out new players, strategies, and lineups before the games start to count.