A crack of the bat. The pop of the ball against leather. For Major League Baseball fans, these are the sounds they’ve been waiting for — the first true signals that a new season is underway and the road to Opening Day on NBC and Peacock has officially begun. 

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MLB Spring Training 2026 marks the return of all 30 teams to the fields of Arizona and Florida, and the schedule begins earlier this season, thanks to the World Baseball Classic. Whether they’re hosting squads from the American League (AL) or National League (NL), these are the epicenters where veterans tune up, hot prospects strut their stuff, and rosters begin to take shape under the watchful gaze of grizzled managers. These are the preseason diamond days that power the elite competition of the regular season. Here’s everything to know about MLB Spring Training 2026 — including when players report, how many games are played, and how you can watch this spring.

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When do MLB players report to spring training?

MLB teams typically begin reporting to spring training in mid-February, with pitchers and catchers arriving first. The extra time helps build chemistry between teammates while giving pitchers an adequate runway to gradually increase reps and velocity without risking injury. Position players follow several days later, and the first full-squad workouts usually take place about a week before exhibition games begin. 

Spring training is split between two leagues. The Grapefruit League operates in Florida, while the Cactus League plays in Arizona. Once invited players report, teams hold daily workouts before transitioning into simulated game action that runs through March and into the final days before Opening Day, when NBC and Peacock kicks things off right with the World Series champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers, playing the Arizona Diamonds on March 26.

Which MLB teams play in the Cactus League and Grapefruit League during spring training? 2026 Cactus League TeamsArizona Diamondbacks  Chicago Cubs    Chicago White Sox    Cincinnati Reds   Cleveland Guardians  Colorado RockiesKansas City RoyalsLos Angeles Angels   Los Angeles DodgersMilwaukee Brewers    AthleticsSan Diego PadresSan Francisco Giants  Seattle MarinersTexas Rangers2026 Grapefruit League TeamsAtlanta BravesBaltimore OriolesBoston Red SoxDetroit TigersHouston AstrosMiami Marlins   Minnesota Twins  New York MetsNew York YankeesPhiladelphia PhilliesPittsburgh PiratesSt. Louis Cardinals  Tampa Bay Rays    Toronto Blue Jays Washington Nationals

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How many spring training games does each MLB team play?

The 2026 MLB Spring Training schedule includes 28 exhibition games featuring big league clubs competing with World Baseball Classic National Teams. These competitive matchups are scheduled almost daily, though teams often build in a handful of off days. Because the games don’t count toward the regular-season standings, managers use them as a proving ground to rotate lineups, test prospects, and manage pitchers as their arms trend upward toward game strength. Unlike NFL preseason games, where the competition is loose, more prospects and bubble players in MLB spring training arguably enhances the competition even when the wins and losses don’t count toward a club’s regular season standing.

In addition to standard exhibition games, nearly all clubs play split-squad games — where two separate lineups compete simultaneously in different locations — or conclude camp with an exhibition series at their regular-season ballparks. Preparation is the most vital element, so don’t expect a slump in performance.

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Why does MLB have spring training? 

MLB spring training serves multiple purposes. For veterans who might require a little extra gas in the tank, it’s a ramp-up period to rebuild strength, sharpen timing, and gradually increase workload after a much-needed offseason. For younger players and non-roster invitees, it’s a crucial audition platform for a spot on the Opening Day roster or a chance to gain valuable experience alongside established veteran stars like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani.

It’s also intrinsically valuable in terms of clubs conditioning their players for the daunting logistics behind a season-long MLB schedule. Pro baseball requires live pitching, defensive reps, and game-speed situations to properly prepare players for the league’s grueling 162-game regular season. By tailoring the environment best to a ballclub’s needs, spring training gives teams the necessary space to focus on finalizing roster, integrate strategic changes, and build chemistry before games start to count for more than just pride and bragging rights.

How to watch Major League Baseball on NBC and Peacock

Select spring training games will be available across NBC and Peacock platforms this year, giving fans an early look at contenders, stars, and top prospects. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check your local listings and streaming options.

In addition to live games, MLB fans will be delighted to know that coverage may also include highlights, analysis, and updates from camps in both Arizona and Florida. As Opening Day approaches, from highly touted new additions to breakout performances, spring training broadcasts offer eager fans their first glimpses behind their teams’ curtains as well as the storylines that could shape the upcoming 2026 MLB season — one that features 20 games on NBC alone!

Additionally, fans will be treated to an exclusive slate of programming, which includes Sunday Night Baseball, an 18-game MLB Sunday Leadoff schedule, a special 15-game, all-day “Star-Spangled Sunday” showcase on July 5, the Wild Card round of the MLB playoffs, and much more. Peacock will also present first-round coverage of the MLB Draft at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 11, as well as the All-Star Futures Game at Noon ET on Sunday, July 12.

Available exclusively on NBC and Peacock, the only MLB primetime game on Opening Day pits World Series Champions Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamonds on March 26, 2026.