It’s time to look ahead to the 2026 MLB season. But before then, all 30 Major League teams and their respective players will need to prepare during Spring Training. Here’s a look at when 2026 Spring Training games will start, plus notes on the rest of the spring schedule.
When do Spring Training games start?
The first Spring Training games for 2026 will take place on February 20, 2026. There will be a full slate of games on the following day, February 21, 2026.
Four Cactus League (Arizona) games are scheduled for the 20th: the Diamondbacks vs. the Rockies, the White Sox vs. the Cubs, the Padres vs. the Mariners, and the Royals vs. the Rangers. The lone official Grapefruit League (Florida) game will be the Yankees and Orioles in Ed Smith Stadium.
Additionally, there will be two other exhibition games. The Red Sox will play Northeastern University in their traditional exhibition, while the Twins will play with the University of Minnesota.
There will be 16 games on February 21.
Spring Training games will run until March 24, 2026, one day before the Yankees and Giants open up the regular season in San Francisco.
WBC exhibition games
Much like in past World Baseball Classic years, Major League teams will play WBC international teams in exhibition games before the tournament begins in March.
March 3
| Teams | Location |
|---|---|
| Mexico vs. Diamondbacks | Arizona |
| United States vs. Giants | Arizona |
| Italy vs. Cubs | Arizona |
| Great Britain vs. Brewers | Arizona |
| Brazil vs. Athletics | Arizona |
| Cuba vs. Royals | Arizona |
| Israel vs. Marlins | Florida |
| Nicaragua vs. Mets | Florida |
| Columbia vs. Pirates | Florida |
| Netherlands vs. Orioles | Florida |
| Puerto Rico vs. Red Sox | Florida |
| Panama vs. Yankees | Florida |
| Canada vs. Blue Jays | Florida |
| Venezuela vs. Astros | Florida |
March 4
| Teams | Location |
|---|---|
| United States vs. Rockies | Arizona |
| Mexico vs. Dodgers | Arizona |
| Great Britain vs. Padres | Arizona |
| Cuba vs. Reds | Arizona |
| Italy vs. Angels | Arizona |
| Brazil vs. Rangers | Arizona |
| Columbia vs. Braves | Florida |
| Israel vs. Mets | Florida |
| Canada vs. Phillies | Florida |
| Venezuela vs. Nationals | Florida |
| Nicaragua vs. Cardinals | Florida |
| Netherlands vs. Rays | Florida |
| Panama vs. Tigers | Florida |
| Puerto Rico vs. Twins | Florida |
When is the 2026 MLB Spring Breakout?
The 2026 MLB Spring Breakout will run from March 19, 2026, through March 22, 2026.
For those unfamiliar, the MLB Spring Breakout showcases the top prospects from every Major League team in an exhibition game. Last year, the likes of Nick Kurtz, Roman Anthony, Colson Montgomery, Trey Yesavage, Cade Horton, Jacob Misiorowski, and Bryce Eldridge were among the prospects named to Spring Breakout teams.
Here’s a breakdown of the Spring Breakout schedule for 2026:
March 19
| Teams | Location |
|---|---|
| Reds vs. Giants | Arizona |
| Guardians vs. Angels | Arizona |
| Marlins vs. Astros | Florida |
| Phillies vs. Twins | Florida |
| Rays vs. Mets | Florida |
March 20
| Teams | Locations |
|---|---|
| Royals vs. Rangers | Arizona |
| Mariners vs. Brewers | Arizona |
| Red Sox vs. Orioles | Florida |
| Tigers vs. Pirates | Florida |
March 21
| Teams | Locations |
|---|---|
| Rockies vs. Diamondbacks | Arizona |
| White Sox vs. Dodgers | Arizona |
| Padres vs. Cubs | Arizona |
| Braves vs. Yankees | Florida |
| Blue Jays vs. Phillies | Florida |
| Nationals vs. Cardinals | Florida |
March 22
| Teams | Locations |
|---|---|
| Brewers vs. Athletics | Arizona |
When do teams report for Spring Training?
Players traditionally report to Spring Training in early February.
The actual date for when teams begin workouts varies by organization. Here’s a look at when each MLB team will start workouts:
Several teams, including the Diamondbacks, Rangers, Braves, and Red Sox, will have pitcher & catcher workouts beginning on February 10. The Dodgers will be the last, starting on February 13.
Between February 15 and 17, teams will begin to conduct full-squad workouts.
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