Even though Punxsutawney Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter weather, ballparks in Florida and Arizona are prepared to provide a compelling counterargument.
Spring (training) is just around the corner for the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the 29 other MLB teams looking to knock them off their pedestal in 2026.
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In addition to a month’s worth of exhibition games in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues, this spring will also include the return of the World Baseball Classic, where we last saw Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout for the final out of Japan’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Team USA in the 2023 final.
Exhibition games are set to begin on Friday, Feb. 20.
2026 spring training report dates: Arizona and Florida
First date listed is for pitchers and catchers to report to camp. Second date is for position players.
NOTE: Pitchers/catchers participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic will report to their respective MLB camps no later than Wednesday, Feb. 11. Position players participating in the event will report no later than Thursday, Feb. 12.
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American League
Athletics (AZ): Feb. 11; Feb. 16
Chicago White Sox (AZ): Feb. 10; Feb. 15
Cleveland Guardians (AZ): Feb. 12; Feb. 17
Detroit Tigers (FL): Feb. 11; Feb. 15
Tampa Bay Rays (FL): Feb. 12; Feb. 17
It’s quiet, for now, at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla., the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers.
National League
Atlanta Braves (FL): Feb. 10; Feb. 15
Los Angeles Dodgers (AZ): Feb. 13; Feb. 17
Washington Nationals (FL): Feb. 11; Feb. 16
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does MLB spring training start? 2026 dates for Florida, Arizona