It was an amazing 2023 for baseball fans, with some groundbreaking moments to remember forever. But with a change in the year, the focus has shifted to the upcoming season, with all preparing for a better outcome than the last. Along the same lines, teams have already started preparing themselves and are waiting for early spring to indicate the start of another campaign.
Although spring starts blooming in March/ April, for the MLB faithful, it’s always the mid-February that marks its beginning. The reason is the spring training which embarks on competitiveness while opening doors to new opportunities. When can fans expect it to start in 2024?
Spring to Come Early in MLB, With Teams to Start Training From February 22
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After astonishing trades and free-agency deals, fans await their new stars to take the field. In this case, spring training will give them this opportunity, set to begin on February 22. Perhaps the biggest team many are looking forward to seeing is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will be up against the San Diego Padres.
Notably, the two teams will play in the Cactus League in Arizona, with 13 more completing the group of 15. While the remaining will play in the Grapefruit League held in Florida, including the New York Yankees. In this setup, all these teams will play multiple games in preparation for the upcoming season. An interesting fact is that training kits are used during spring training as opposed to official uniforms.
What remains fascinating is that February is oftentimes more intriguing than some regular season games.
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Why Spring Training Remains Engrossing
The purpose of spring training is simple – to get the players ready for the year-long action. The practice that was reportedly started when most baseball players did odd jobs to survive the offseason has become a crucial part of the professional setup. It also helps teams test new signings, tactics, and formations. Given that it usually happens after most free agency deals are done, it allows new players to mingle with the veterans.
Read More:- “I Don’t Care if We Lose Spring Training”- Atlanta Braves Manager Breaks Silence on MLB Lockout
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The pitchers and catchers are usually the first to visit the camps before others join them. Spring training also allows managers to formalize the final roster for the upcoming season. For fans, it is an opportunity to travel and watch their favorite players play in a much more relaxed atmosphere, before the home and away pressure kicks in. A win-win situation for all.
