Home » MLB » MLB Spring Training 2026 Opening Games: Highlights, Matchups & Storylines for Feb 20-21

MLB Spring Training 2026 Opening Games: Highlights, Matchups & Storylines for Feb 20-21

MLB Spring Training 2026 Opening Games:

Here are the MLB Spring Training 2026 opening games for you. Spring Training is officially underway for the 2026 MLB season! After pitchers and catchers reported February 10-13 and full-squad workouts began, the first Grapefruit and Cactus League games kick off on Friday, February 20 (light slate) and Saturday, February 21 (near-full opening day action). These early exhibitions give fans the first real look at lineups, rotations, prospects, and new faces after a busy offseason.

While results don’t count in the standings, the opening weekend is packed with intrigue: debuts of high-profile rookies, new free-agent additions facing former teams, and early tests for projected rotation spots. Here’s everything to watch on February 20-21, 2026, including key matchups, storylines, and where to follow live.

MLB Spring Training 2026 Opening Games

The MLB Spring training 2026 schedule gets started on Friday, February 20th. We have the highlights for you for the opening two days of play. The complete 2026 MLB Spring Training schedule is posted here for you too. The action kicks off on Feb. 20 with a handful of games, including four in the Cactus League (D-backs-Rockies, Padres-Mariners, Royals-Rangers, and White Sox-Cubs), one in the Grapefruit League (Yankees-Orioles) and two exhibition matchups (Red Sox-Northeastern University and Twins-University of Minnesota).

2026 MLB Spring Training Opening Day Schedule (Feb 20-21, 2026)

DateDayTime (ET)Away TeamHome TeamVenue/StadiumLocationNotes / Storylines
Feb 20, 2026Friday1:05 PMNew York YankeesBaltimore OriolesEd Smith StadiumSarasota, FLAL East rivalry opener; first Grapefruit game
Feb 20, 2026Friday1:10 PMArizona DiamondbacksColorado RockiesSalt River Fields at Talking StickScottsdale, AZCactus League opener
Feb 20, 2026Friday1:10 PMSan Diego PadresSeattle MarinersPeoria Sports ComplexPeoria, AZEarly West Coast matchup
Feb 20, 2026Friday1:05 PMKansas City RoyalsTexas RangersSurprise StadiumSurprise, AZ2025 ALDS rematch vibes
Feb 20, 2026Friday3:05 PMChicago White SoxChicago CubsSloan ParkMesa, AZCrosstown Classic rivalry
Feb 20, 2026Friday1:05 PMBoston Red SoxNortheastern HuskiesJetBlue ParkFort Myers, FLCollege exhibition
Feb 20, 2026Friday6:05 PMMinnesota TwinsMinnesota Golden GophersHammond StadiumFort Myers, FLCollege exhibition
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:05 PMHouston AstrosWashington NationalsThe Ballpark of the Palm BeachesWest Palm Beach, FLAstros vs. new Nats additions
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:05 PMPittsburgh PiratesBaltimore OriolesEd Smith StadiumSarasota, FLOrioles back-to-back openers
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:05 PMDetroit TigersNew York YankeesGeorge M. Steinbrenner FieldTampa, FLYankees home opener
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:07 PMPhiladelphia PhilliesToronto Blue JaysTD BallparkDunedin, FLAL East vs. NL East test
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:05 PMAtlanta BravesTampa Bay RaysTropicana Field or alternateSt. Petersburg, FLNL East vs. AL East
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:05 PMMiami MarlinsNew York MetsClover ParkPort St. Lucie, FLMets home opener
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:05 PMCincinnati RedsCleveland GuardiansGoodyear BallparkGoodyear, AZPossible split-squad
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:05 PMOakland AthleticsChicago White SoxCamelback Ranch-GlendaleGlendale, AZWhite Sox back-to-back
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:10 PMCleveland GuardiansMilwaukee BrewersAmerican Family Fields of PhoenixPhoenix, AZPossible split-squad
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:05 PMTexas RangersChicago CubsSloan ParkMesa, AZCubs home after crosstown
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:10 PMColorado RockiesArizona DiamondbacksSalt River Fields at Talking StickScottsdale, AZD-backs home after opener
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:10 PMLos Angeles DodgersLos Angeles AngelsTempe Diablo StadiumTempe, AZFreeway Series; Ohtani watch
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:10 PMSan Francisco GiantsSeattle MarinersPeoria Sports ComplexPeoria, AZMariners back-to-back
Feb 21, 2026Saturday1:05 PMSan Diego PadresKansas City RoyalsSurprise StadiumSurprise, AZRoyals home after opener

All times ET. Schedules subject to change—check MLB.com for live updates. Stats and lineups tentative for exhibitions.

Additional MLB Spring Training and Regular Season Resources

Here are some additional resources you will find useful to follow your favorite MLB this spring training and regular season. 

author avatar
Laurie Marion author
Laurie Marion is a dedicated hockey and college football enthusiast on the Sports Brackets team. A lifelong Boston Bruins fan and proud supporter of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Big Ten, she covers schedules, brackets, playoffs, and more with passion and expertise.
See Full Bio
NHL College Football NFL College Basketball College Baseball