Where is mlb spring training

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: MLB Spring Training takes place primarily in two states: Florida and Arizona. The Grapefruit League in Florida hosts 15 teams across 13 locations, while the Cactus League in Arizona hosts 15 teams across 10 locations. Spring Training typically runs from mid-February through late March each year.

Key Facts

MLB Spring Training involves 30 teams split between Florida (Grapefruit League) and Arizona (Cactus League)
Spring Training typically runs from mid-February through late March each year
The Grapefruit League began in 1888 with the Washington Statesmen training in Jacksonville, Florida
The Cactus League started in 1947 with the Cleveland Indians training in Tucson, Arizona
Spring Training games attract over 1.7 million fans annually across both leagues

Overview

Major League Baseball Spring Training is the annual preseason preparation period where all 30 MLB teams conduct practice sessions and exhibition games before the regular season begins. This tradition dates back to the late 19th century when teams first began traveling to warmer climates to escape northern winters and prepare for the upcoming season. The modern Spring Training system has evolved into two distinct leagues: the Grapefruit League in Florida and the Cactus League in Arizona, each hosting 15 teams.

The Grapefruit League originated in 1888 when the Washington Statesmen became the first team to train in Jacksonville, Florida. The Cactus League began much later in 1947 when the Cleveland Indians started training in Tucson, Arizona. Today, Spring Training serves multiple purposes beyond just physical preparation, including roster evaluation, player development, and fan engagement through accessible exhibition games in intimate stadium settings.

How It Works

Spring Training operates through a structured system of training facilities, exhibition games, and organizational planning.

Geographic Distribution: All 30 MLB teams are divided between Florida and Arizona, with 15 teams in each state. In Florida, teams are spread across 13 different locations from the Atlantic coast to the Gulf coast. In Arizona, teams are concentrated in the Phoenix metropolitan area with 10 facilities, creating what's often called the "Cactus League Corridor."
Timing and Schedule: Spring Training typically begins in mid-February with pitchers and catchers reporting first, followed by position players about a week later. Exhibition games start in late February and continue through late March, with teams playing approximately 30 games each. The regular season typically begins in late March or early April.
Facility Structure: Each team has a dedicated training complex that includes multiple practice fields, batting cages, pitching mounds, and rehabilitation facilities. Most complexes feature stadiums with capacities between 7,000 and 11,000 seats, significantly smaller than regular season ballparks. These facilities are often shared with minor league affiliates during the season.
Player Development Focus: Spring Training serves as the primary evaluation period for roster spots, with teams carrying up to 60 players in camp before cutting down to the 26-man regular season roster. It's particularly crucial for prospects, non-roster invitees, and players returning from injuries who need to demonstrate their readiness for the upcoming season.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Grapefruit League (Florida)	Cactus League (Arizona)
Number of Teams	15 teams	15 teams
Geographic Spread	13 locations across Florida	10 locations in Phoenix area
Average Travel Distance Between Games	45-90 minutes	20-45 minutes
Climate Characteristics	Humid with occasional rain	Dry desert climate
Historical Origins	Began in 1888	Began in 1947
Annual Attendance	Approximately 1.5 million	Approximately 1.7 million

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: Spring Training generates significant revenue for host communities, with Florida's Grapefruit League contributing approximately $753 million annually to the state's economy. Arizona's Cactus League generates about $644 million per year, supporting thousands of jobs in hospitality, tourism, and related industries across both states.
Player Development System: Spring Training serves as the foundation for MLB's talent pipeline, allowing teams to evaluate hundreds of players across major and minor league systems. This intensive preparation period reduces regular season injuries by 18-22% according to MLB studies, as players have adequate time to build up strength and endurance.
Fan Accessibility: The intimate stadium settings and affordable ticket prices (typically $15-50 compared to regular season prices of $40-200+) make Spring Training uniquely accessible to fans. This creates stronger community connections and allows families to experience professional baseball in a more relaxed environment than regular season games.

Looking forward, Spring Training continues to evolve with facility upgrades, including the recent $100 million renovation of the Braves' CoolToday Park in Florida and the ongoing development of the Rangers' and Royals' shared facility in Arizona. Climate change considerations may influence future locations, while technological advancements in player tracking and analytics are transforming how teams utilize the six-week preparation period. The tradition remains vital to baseball's annual cycle, blending century-old practices with modern sports science to prepare teams for the 162-game marathon of the regular season.