Central STL News

Major League Baseball has announced the full schedule for the 2026 Spring Training, introducing new elements to the traditional preseason format. The schedule begins on February 20 with several games across both the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues, as well as exhibition matches featuring collegiate teams.

All MLB teams will participate in games on February 21, marking the first complete day of Spring Training action for both leagues.

A notable addition to this year’s schedule is a series of exhibition games between Major League teams and international squads preparing for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. On March 3 and 4, there will be a total of 28 such exhibitions—14 each day—where MLB clubs will face World Baseball Classic teams.

Team USA, which finished second to Team Japan in the previous World Baseball Classic in 2023, is scheduled to play two warm-up games in Scottsdale, Arizona. The team will compete against the Giants on March 3 at Scottsdale Stadium and then face the Rockies on March 4 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

These exhibition contests are set just before the North American portion of the World Baseball Classic begins on March 6. Tournament games will take place in Miami, Houston, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In addition to these matchups, there are several crossover games between Cactus and Grapefruit League teams. The Yankees will travel from Tampa to Mesa to play the Cubs on March 23-24 at Sloan Field. During those same dates, the Tigers will move from Lakeland to Scottsdale for games against the Rockies.

The Athletics will also change venues temporarily by hosting the Angels for two games in Las Vegas at Las Vegas Ballpark on March 7-8.

Spring Training concludes with Opening Night on March 25 when the Giants host the Yankees at Oracle Park. This event precedes MLB’s traditional Opening Day featuring a full slate of games on March 26.