The Chicago Cubs have formalized their 2025 Spring Training schedule, which kicks off on Thursday, February 20, against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Arizona. This historic season will feature not just the traditional spring training matches, but also special exhibition games planned for Tokyo, Japan, showcasing the Cubs’ intention to spread their brand internationally.
The Cubs will play two exhibition games overseas, set for March 15 and 16, against the Hanshin Tigers and the Yomiuri Giants. This addition of Japanese teams indicates the Cubs’ ambition to engage with global baseball fans and build their profile internationally. Their complete schedule consists of 17 games, including the two international matches and additional spring break games versus Los Angeles A.L. This year, fans can catch 17 games on the Marquee Sports Network, with another ten airing on 670 The Score, making it easier to follow the action wherever they may be.
At the beginning of the spring training, the Cubs will play at their home facility, Sloan Park, where they have scheduled two high-stakes games against their regular season rivals, the Chicago White Sox. On February 22, they will face off at Sloan Park, followed by another game on March 7 at the White Sox's Camelback Ranch facility.
Notably, this year's spring training has been uniquely structured as it precedes the Japan Series, giving the Cubs and the Dodgers the chance to prepare together earlier than most teams. The early games will require adjustments to how the operational and pitching sides are managed. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs have confirmed Cody Poteet as their starting pitcher for the opener against Los Angeles. Poteet, previously obtained from the New York Yankees as part of the Cody Bellinger trade, holds intriguing potential for the Cubs’ pitching lineup after recovering from injuries.
Poteet shined last season, earning a 3-0 record with a solid 2.22 ERA over five games. Despite recent setbacks due to injury, the 30-year-old is expected to be pivotal as the Cubs gear up for the season. The Cubs hope his early contribution can provide stability as they aim for success during their international venture as well as throughout the regular season.
With the Cubs expected to initiate new strategies during these spring games, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the roster shakes out. The management is under some pressure, as they aim to develop their talent and perform well against tougher competitors. The organizational dynamics entail intentional depth building, especially among pitchers, well aware of the unique rhythm of these spring games.
The games will be streamed through the Marquee Sports Network, accessible via their official app, along with radio coverage available across the Cubs Radio Network. Tickets for individual games are already on sale through the team's official website, as interest starts to build heading toward the spring training events.
While the excitement around the Cubs’ spring preparation builds, the franchise has the clear opportunity to not only compete domestically but also to make their mark overseas before the regular season officially kicks off. The dual focus of competitive excellence and international expansion presents the Cubs as more than just participants, aiming instead to become leaders on the world stage.
Throughout this process, fans are encouraged to continue following the Cubs’ developments, especially as they venture through this exciting and ambitious schedule leading to what they hope will be a thrilling and rewarding 2025 season.