For baseball fans, nothing beats the feeling of late February. The snow is melting, the days are getting longer and pitchers and catchers are finally reporting for duty.

This year, spring training 2026 is shaping up to be much more than just a warm-up for the regular season. The energy is amplified by the return of the World Baseball Classic (WBC), adding a layer of international competition to the usual relaxed atmosphere of the pre-season. Whether you are planning a trip to the sunny stadiums of Florida or the desert landscapes of Arizona, here is everything you need to know to get the most out of MLB spring training this year.

What is spring training?

Spring training is a pre-season tradition where Major League Baseball teams head to warm-weather states to prepare for the upcoming regular season. It allows new players to audition for roster spots and established veterans to get back into playing shape.

The vibe is totally different from regular-season games. The stadiums are smaller, bringing fans much closer to the action. You can often see players signing autographs along the sidelines and the general atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.

The league is split into two primary locations based on geography:

• The Grapefruit League: Located in Florida.


• The Cactus League: Located in Arizona.

The Grapefruit League (Florida)

If you love humidity, beaches and baseball, the Grapefruit League is the place to be. Spread across Florida, this league hosts half of the MLB teams. It serves as the training ground for many East Coast and Midwest teams.

Participating teams and locations

Several fan-favorite teams call Florida home for the spring. Here are a few notable clubs and where you can find them:

• Atlanta Braves: Catch them at CoolToday Park in North Port.


• Detroit Tigers: They play at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.


• Houston Astros: Based at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach.


• Miami Marlins: Located at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter.


• Minnesota Twins: They train at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.


• Philadelphia Phillies: Fans eager to see the Phillies spring training schedule should head to BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater. It is widely considered one of the best fan experiences in the league.


• Pittsburgh Pirates: Head to LECOM Park in Bradenton.


• Tampa Bay Rays: You can find them at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte.

Because Florida is geographically larger than the Phoenix metro area, catching a "doubleheader" (two games in one day at different stadiums) requires a bit more driving than in Arizona. However, the travel is often made easier by options like the Brightline rail system.

The Cactus League (Arizona)

For those who prefer dry heat and desert mountains, the Cactus League in Arizona is a baseball paradise. The unique advantage of the Cactus League is density; all 15 teams train within the Greater Phoenix area, meaning you can easily see a Dodgers spring training game in the afternoon and drive 20 minutes to see another team play that evening.

Participating teams and locations

Here is where you can find some of the marquee teams in the desert:

• Chicago Cubs: They draw massive crowds at Sloan Park in Mesa.


• Chicago White Sox: Also at Camelback Ranch in Glendale.


• Colorado Rockies: Located at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.


• Los Angeles Dodgers: They share a facility at Camelback Ranch in Glendale with the White Sox.


• Milwaukee Brewers: Based at American Family Fields of Phoenix.


• Texas Rangers: They play at Surprise Stadium in Surprise.

World Baseball Classic 2026

The biggest storyline for 2026 is the return of the World Baseball Classic. This global tournament features the best players from around the world competing for their home countries.

This event runs concurrently with standard spring training, meaning many star players will leave their MLB camps in early March to join their national teams.

Tournament locations

If you want to catch WBC action alongside standard spring training games, you are in luck if you are in Florida or Texas. The 2026 venues include:

• Pool play: Miami (Florida), Houston (Texas), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Tokyo (Japan).


• Quarterfinals: Split between Miami and Houston.


• Final round: Hosted in Miami.