After a wild baseball winter, spring training is in the air—and what a season it’s shaping up to be! From blockbuster signings to sizzling trade talks, MLB teams are stepping into spring with renewed energy and high expectations.

A Season of Bold Moves

The Mets made headlines by inking Juan Soto to the largest contract in MLB history, while also bringing back fan favorite Pete Alonso this week. Over in the other corner, the Dodgers have been busy, adding prized Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki to their arsenal. And that’s not all—teams like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and New York Yankees have all been active players in a scorching-hot trade market.
As pitchers and catchers report across Arizona and Florida, we’ll soon see how these high-profile moves translate to performance on the diamond.

Baseball vs. Football: A Tale of Two Pre-Seasons

For someone like me—a Belgium-based baseball enthusiast more accustomed to the summer anticipation of football (soccer)—the transition to baseball’s spring training is like swapping a hearty bowl of stew for a delicate, flavorful soup. Football pre-season is all about grueling workouts, transfer rumors, and a dose of nervous optimism, while I guess baseball’s spring training is more akin to an extended trial period where experimentation reigns supreme. Think of it as a relaxed rehearsal before the big show: players getting to know each other, trying out new strategies, and occasionally, even testing their aim (or that of the wandering ball, as old stories suggest).

A Dash of History and Humor

Spring training isn’t just a modern ritual—it has deep historical roots. Early teams traveled to warmer climes not only to escape harsh northern winters but also to play exhibition games that helped popularize baseball. One humorous tale recounts an early spring training game where pitchers were so wildly off-target that spectators began betting on which tree branch the ball would hit next! While this story might be a tad exaggerated, it captures the playful, unpredictable spirit that makes spring training so endearing.

A Full Calendar and Fresh Excitement

So now that February has rolled around, baseball is officially back. The Chicago Cubs’ pitchers and catchers reported back February 9, with the Los Angeles Dodgers right behind them—and it won’t be long before those two teams kick off the spring schedule in a Cactus League matchup on February 20. In the Grapefruit League, the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays jump into action on February 21, and by the following day, all 30 MLB clubs will have joined the party. As March begins, keep an eye out for spring breakout games from the 13th to the 16th, when top prospects get their chance to shine in exhibition contests. Then, on March 18 and 19, the Cubs and Dodgers will meet in Tokyo to officially launch the 2025 regular season—an event that promises plenty of fanfare with five Japanese stars taking the field, including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki, and Roki Sasaki. Mark your calendars for Opening Day on March 27 (with 28 clubs in action), as the Tampa Bay Rays temporarily relocate to the Yankees’ spring training facility after Tropicana Field was damaged in a hurricane. Don’t worry if you miss the first day—another game awaits on March 28, when the Rays and Colorado Rockies get going.

Looking Forward from Belgium

Back home in Belgium, where winter has been nothing short of bone-chilling, the promise of spring is especially sweet. I’m eagerly anticipating this first-ever spring training experience—not only to witness the unfolding of exciting new storylines, like the Mets’ pressure-cooker challenge in the National League East, but also to get to know the players a bit better. There’s a special kind of magic in watching teams ease into the season with a mix of experimentation and humor, all while the frost begins to thaw outside.

Whether you’re a seasoned baseball fan or someone like me, diving into the sport with fresh eyes after a winter of waiting, spring training offers something for everyone. Here’s to a season filled with unexpected moments, historical nods, and the joy of discovering baseball in a whole new light—just as the chill of winter finally gives way to a promising spring.

Welcome to spring training 2025—let the games begin!