MLB Spring Training Gets Underway as Regular Season Approaches

Major League Baseball’s 2026 spring training is officially began this month, marking the return of hopefuls, veterans, and contenders alike as teams prepare for another competitive campaign with Opening Day set late March.

The slate of exhibition games, workouts, and early matchups gives fans who enjoy some MLB betting their first look at rosters, rotations, and positional battles across both the Cactus League in Arizona and the Grapefruit League in Florida.

Official exhibition games begin on Feb. 20, with a light schedule featuring matchups such as the Padres vs. Mariners and Yankees vs. Orioles in the Grapefruit League, before a full slate of games across all 30 clubs on February 21. These early contests give fans a first glimpse at prospects and veterans vying for impactful roles in 2026.

2025 World Series Champs Return to Camp

The backdrop to this spring training season is seeing a dynasty in motion. The Los Angeles Dodgers enter 2026 as the reigning World Series champions after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games last season.

Back-to-back champions for the first time since the late 1990s Yankees, the Dodgers return with much of their core intact, including standout players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was named World Series MVP, and other impact players expected to carry momentum into the regular season.

As clubs gather at their respective spring homes, storylines to watch include battle for rotation spots, bullpen depth, and defensive alignments.

Stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and up-and-coming young talent are expected to be in action throughout the Grapefruit and Cactus League schedules, sparking excitement early among fans and broadcasters.

Teams and Players to Watch

Several teams are drawing attention as spring training unfolds:

• Los Angeles Dodgers: As defending champions, the Dodgers want to establish consistency early. Key pitchers and hitters take the field to build rhythm before Opening Day.
• New York Yankees: With a young core and offensive firepower, the Yankees are poised to challenge in the AL East.
• Atlanta Braves: The Braxes reutnr a strong lineup and aim to defend their NL East crown.
• Milwaukee Brewers: The team returns with depth and some solid rookie prospects for a club hungry to push past the first round of the postseason.

Pitchers like Paul Skenes — fresh off winning his first ever Cy Young Award in 2025 — continue to be pivotal pieces in their clubs’ early strategies.

Looking at the Regular Season

Spring training games are set to continue throughout February and March, with many clubs playing into late March. Fans can tune into MLB Network for regular spring training broadcasts across the schedule, while local team channels like SportsNet LA, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Twins.TV, and others will carry a wide range of games.

The league’s season opener is set for March 25, featuring the Yankees vs. Giants on Netflix, a first for live MLB on the streaming platform.

Opening Day for the rest of the league traditionally follows on March 26, with ESPN, FOX, TBS, and local RSNs providing comprehensive coverage throughout the season.

World Series Futures Betting

Ready to wager a few dollars on the eventual 2026 World Series winner? Here’s a look at the top 10 teams when it comes to MLB futures betting with odds via FanDuel.

• Los Angeles Dodgers +350
• Atlanta Braves +550
• Houston Astros +750
• New York Yankees +900
• Philadelphia Phillies +1100
• Texas Rangers +1200
• Baltimore Orioles +1300
• Toronto Blue Jays +1500
• San Diego Padres +1800
• Chicago Cubs +2200