Snow is still piled high in half the country, but the calendar doesn’t lie. We are officially on the doorstep of February. For anyone who lives and breathes baseball, that means one thing: the smell of fresh-cut grass and overpriced hot dogs is finally back.
Honestly, the offseason felt like it dragged on forever this year. But the wait is basically over. If you’re trying to figure out when is mlb spring training so you can book those flights to Phoenix or Tampa, the timeline is already locked in.
It’s not just a bunch of guys in gym shorts doing drills anymore. 2026 is actually going to be a bit of a weird one because of the World Baseball Classic (WBC). That tournament shakes up the schedule in ways we haven’t seen in a few years, so you’ve gotta be careful with your dates if you want to see the actual stars and not just the Triple-A backups.
The Big Dates: When Players Actually Show Up
The first thing you need to know is that "Spring Training" isn't just one single start date. It’s a rolling arrival.
The very first sign of life happens when pitchers and catchers report. They get there early to get their arms in shape before the hitters show up and start blasting 100-mph exit velocities at them.
- Pitchers and Catchers Report: Most teams have their first workouts between February 9 and February 13, 2026.
- Full Squads: The hitters and the rest of the gang usually follow about five days later. Expect the full rosters to be on the dirt by February 14 to February 18.
Take the Chicago Cubs, for example. They’ve got pitchers and catchers hitting the field in Mesa on February 9. If you’re a die-hard fan who wants to see the bullpen sessions in person, that’s your window. But if you want to see the whole team, you’re looking at February 14.
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When the Real Games Start
Practice is cool and all, but we’re here for the box scores. The 2026 exhibition schedule officially kicks off on Friday, February 20, 2026.
It’s a light slate to start. There are only a handful of games that Friday. You’ve got the Yankees heading to Sarasota to play the Orioles, and the Cubs facing the White Sox at Sloan Park. But don’t worry—by Saturday, February 21, every single team in the league will be playing.
The World Baseball Classic Twist
This is the part that catches people off guard. Because the World Baseball Classic starts in early March, the "normal" spring training vibe gets interrupted.
On March 3 and 4, 2026, Major League teams will actually play exhibition games against the international WBC squads. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Colorado Rockies take on Team USA or the Dodgers play Mexico, this is your chance.
The downside? From March 6 through March 17, a lot of the best players—the ones you’re paying to see—won't even be at their MLB camps. They’ll be off representing their home countries in Miami, Houston, or San Juan. If you go to Florida or Arizona during that mid-March window, you’re going to see a lot of "prospects" and "non-roster invitees."
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Where to Go: Cactus vs. Grapefruit
If you’re new to this, MLB splits the 30 teams into two geographical loops.
The Cactus League is in Arizona. Everything is clustered around the Phoenix metro area. You can stay in one hotel and drive 20 minutes to see a different stadium every day. It’s incredibly convenient.
The Grapefruit League is in Florida. This one is a bit more spread out. You’ve got teams in Clearwater, Tampa, Sarasota, and all the way over on the Atlantic side in West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie. It’s beautiful, but you’ll be doing a lot more driving on I-75.
Surprising Details for the 2026 Season
Major League Baseball is trying some new stuff this year. They are doing "crossover" games where teams from the Florida league fly over to Arizona and vice versa.
For instance, the Yankees are actually leaving Tampa to play the Cubs in Mesa, Arizona, on March 23 and 24. The Detroit Tigers are doing the same, heading to Scottsdale to face the Rockies. This almost never happens.
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Also, the Oakland Athletics (currently in transition) are playing a couple of games at Las Vegas Ballpark on March 7 and 8 against the Angels. If you’re a Vegas local, that’s a huge weekend.
Actionable Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Avoid the WBC Gap: Unless you really love international baseball, try to visit in late February or the final week of March. That’s when you’ll see the most consistent MLB rosters.
- Go to the Backfields: Don't just go to the stadium for the 1:00 PM game. Get there at 9:00 AM. Most teams let you walk around the practice fields for free. You’ll be three feet away from superstars taking batting practice.
- Book Your Car Now: Phoenix and Florida rental car prices skyrocket in March. Honestly, it’s often more expensive than the flight.
- Check the "Spring Breakout" Dates: From March 19 to March 22, teams will play special games featuring only their top prospects. It’s a great way to see the guys who will be stars in 2028.
Everything wraps up with a few "exhibition" games in MLB stadiums on March 23 and 24. Then, it’s the real deal. Opening Night 2026 is Wednesday, March 25, with the Giants hosting the Yankees.
If you're planning to go, now is the time to start looking at tickets. Most individual team sites start selling them in late December or early January, and the "premium" games (like Cubs vs. Dodgers) will sell out fast. Grab your sunscreen, download the ballpark app, and get ready for the best time of the year.
To get started, check the official MLB Spring Training schedule to see exactly when your specific team has their home opener in Arizona or Florida. Once you have that date, look into the "Spring Breakout" roster lists to see which young stars might be making their debut during your visit.