MLB Spring Training Week 1 Preview

The 2025 MLB Spring Training begins on February 20. This period involves teams preparing for the upcoming regular season by participating in workouts, exhibition games, and player evaluations. It spans approximately six weeks from mid-February through the end of March.

Spring Training provides a platform for new players transitioning from the minor leagues to showcase their skills and earn spots on major league teams. It also allows veteran players to refine their skills in preparation for the regular season.

Training begins with catchers and pitchers reporting to camp a week earlier than other players due to the specialized training required for pitchers.

Here’s a preview of the games we’ll enjoy this first week of MLB Spring Training 2025.

MLB Spring Training 2025: Week 1 – Games

MLB Spring Training 2025 Week 1 – Dodgers x Cubs

The upcoming showdown between the Dodgers and Cubs marks the return of MLB action. After the Christmas break, the defending champions are eager to seek a second championship title. With the start of the regular season pending, the pre-season will provide insight into how the team is in terms of performance. This significant event is scheduled to take place in the middle of the Cactus League.

After their recent win over the Yankees, the Dodgers are focused on another championship, led by standout player Shotei Ohtani under the direction of Dave Roberts. Meanwhile, the Cubs, led by Craig Counsell, face the challenge of rebounding from a disappointing season and securing a playoff berth.

The Chicago Cubs signed Justin Turner to get back into contention in the Central Division. Sources indicate the contract is for one year and worth $6 million, The Athletic reported.

At 40 years old, Turner’s arrival is intended to provide depth in the Cubs’ infield and serve as a backup first baseman or designated hitter. While Turner’s performance may not match his peak seasons, he had a solid offensive year with Toronto and Seattle.

As he embarks on his 17th season in the majors, Turner can offer mentorship to Matt Shaw. The top prospect is supposed to assume the Cubs’ everyday third base role. Considering his extensive experience primarily as a third baseman, Justin Turner could serve as a contingency plan if Shaw struggles to establish himself.

Dodgers vs. Cubs Apostas: Dodgers

MLB Spring Training 2025: Week 1 – Yankees vs.

The upcoming game between the Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays will be the second game of MLB Spring Training 2025.

After the conclusion of the regular season, the Yankees are determined to reclaim the championship title lost to the Dodgers in the World Series. Their first game of the season is against the Rays, who set focus on turning their fortunes around after missing for the first time since 2018 the post-season.

Despite the challenges posed by an extended series of games, the Yankees exceeded expectations with a stellar performance. Led by Aaron Judge, Aaron Boone’s team built a competitive lineup around their star slugger, securing a spot in the championship series. However, they fell short in the face of Dodger fatigue and supremacy. As a new season approaches, the Yankees are expected to field a revamped team fueled by a thirst for redemption.

Meanwhile, under the leadership of Kevin Cash, the Rays are looking to bounce back after finishing 10th in the American League. Their new goal is to overcome their previous poor results and strive for improvement.

Escolha de apostas Yankees vs. Rays: Yankees

MLB Spring Training 2025: Week 1 – Padres vs. Mariners

Another Game we will enjoy in this week 1 of MLB Spring Training 2025 will be between the Padres and Mariners.

San Diego heads into Spring Training for the second straight season, anticipating a possible roster change in the coming weeks. Last year, things went even better than expected. They added Jurickson Profar during Spring Training, who made it to the All-Star Game as an outfielder. They also secured Dylan’s termination via a trade before the regular season began, and the righty earned a fourth-place finish in the National League Cy Young Award voting.

The 2024 Padres deserve credit for successfully managing significant payroll changes during the season, ultimately achieving a remarkable 93 wins, one of the best campaigns in franchise history. Luis Arráez, who previously held the designated hitter position for 46 games last season, will now serve as the Padres’ full-time first baseman in the 2025 Major Leagues. In 2024, the Venezuelan started 61 games at that position.

The Seattle Mariners boast a talented roster that includes standout players such as Julio Rodriguez, a two-time All-Star ranked among the top 25 players in the 2025 season by MLB Network, along with Luis Castillo and George Kirby.

Pitcher Troy Taylor is making a successful comeback after overcoming injury setbacks. Initially sidelined with a right lat injury, concerns arose about his availability for this season. However, a positive update has allowed Taylor to resume pitching, indicating a quick recovery and a promising start to his offseason preparations.

Randy Arozarena will bat fourth for the Mariners, a significant position as the team is prepared to be a key rival of the Houston Astros in the American League West Division. Victor Robles will lead off, followed by Julio Rodriguez, with Cal Raleigh in the third spot. Luke Raley, who hit 22 home runs last season, will follow Arozarena in the lineup, along with Mitch Garver, Jorge Polanco, Dylan Moore, and J. P. Crawford.

Padres vs. Mariners Betting Pick: Padres

MLB Spring Training 2025: Week 1 – Dbacks vs. Rockies

Finally, we close out the preview of this first week of MLB Spring Training 2025 with the matchup between the Dbacks and Rockies.

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitching rotation has undergone a major overhaul with the addition of Corbin Burnes as they aim to overcome their 2024 season in which they missed the post-season. The signing of Burnes to a six-year contract secures a crucial asset at the top of their rotation.

Along with Burnes, the D-backs have a strong pitcher. Eduardo Rodriguez, known for his consistency and control, is expected to contribute fully after recovering from injuries. The rotation also features key players such as Merryl Kelly and Zac Gallen, with the latter being a recurring Cy Young candidate and the former providing stability as a veteran.

Facing stiff competition in the NL West Division, including powerhouse teams like the Dodgers, Padres, Giants, and Rockies, the Diamondbacks must have a solid rotation and a reliable bullpen to compete at a high level in the 2025 season and avoid further disappointment. The combination of a healed Burnes, the return of Rodriguez, and the leadership of Gallen and Kelly can be instrumental in achieving this goal, making the D-backs’ pitching rotation an essential aspect to consider in the upcoming season.

The Colorado Rockies have secured multi-year contracts for starters German Marquez, Kyle Freeland, and Antonio Senzatela despite facing injuries and struggles within the team during recent seasons, all of whom were part of the team’s successful post-season appearances in previous years.

With the addition of left-hander Austin Gomber and right-hander Ryan Feltner to the veteran rotation, the Rockies are looking to rebuild their roster and manage their expectations after several challenging seasons.

Dbacks vs. Rockies Betting Pick: Rockies