The Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season typically begins in late March or early April, with the 2025 season scheduled to start on Thursday, March 27. This opening date aligns with recent years' patterns and includes a full slate of games, marking the official start of the 162-game campaign for each team.
When Does the MLB Regular Season Start?
The start of the MLB regular season is highly anticipated by fans across the globe. In 2025, the first official games will be played on March 27, following a brief spring training period that begins in mid-February. The Opening Day marks the beginning of a six-month marathon leading up to the postseason in October.
Key Dates in the 2025 MLB Season
- Spring Training Starts: Mid-February 2025
- Regular Season Begins: March 27, 2025
- All-Star Game: July 15, 2025 (T-Mobile Park, Seattle)
- Regular Season Ends: September 28, 2025
- Postseason Begins: October 1, 2025
- World Series: October 25 – November 2, 2025
Why Does the Season Start in Late March or Early April?
The timing of the MLB regular season is influenced by several factors, including weather, player readiness, broadcast schedules, and international events. Starting in late March allows teams to complete spring training in warm-weather locations like Florida and Arizona, avoiding cold-weather complications in northern cities.
Factors Influencing the Start Date
- Climate Considerations: Ensures playable conditions in northern cities by minimizing snow and freezing temperatures.
- Spring Training Duration: Players need approximately six weeks of preparation before competitive play.
- Television Broadcast Agreements: Networks like ESPN, Fox, and Apple TV+ coordinate prime-time slots for maximum viewership.
- International Games: Occasionally, MLB opens the season abroad (e.g., Japan, Mexico, London), which can slightly shift the calendar.
Historical Start Dates of the MLB Regular Season
While the exact start date varies slightly each year, MLB has maintained a consistent late-March to early-April window over the past two decades. Exceptions occur due to labor disputes or global events, such as the 2020 season delayed by the pandemic.
| Year | Opening Day Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 27 | Scheduled; full 162-game season |
| 2024 | March 28 | Mariners hosted Red Sox in Japan |
| 2023 | March 30 | Rangers vs. D-backs in Seoul, South Korea |
| 2022 | April 7 | Delayed by lockout |
| 2021 | April 1 | Pandemic-adjusted schedule |
| 2019 | March 28 | No delays; standard start |
| 2015 | April 5 | Late start due to scheduling conflicts |
| 2010 | April 4 | Standard opening weekend |
The table illustrates that while most seasons begin in late March, external factors such as labor disputes, international series, and public health crises can shift the calendar. Since 2010, only three seasons started after April 1, indicating MLB's strong preference for an early spring start.
How Is the MLB Schedule Structured?
Each MLB team plays 162 games during the regular season, a grueling pace averaging nearly two games per day for six months. The schedule includes intra-division matchups, interleague play, and occasional neutral-site games.
Breakdown of the 162-Game Schedule
- Division Games: 13 games against each of 4 opponents (52 games)
- League Opponents: 6–7 games each against non-division teams (64 games)
- Interleague Play: ~46 games against American and National League teams
Frequently Asked Questions About When Baseball Season Starts
When does the 2025 MLB regular season start?
The 2025 MLB regular season is set to begin on Thursday, March 27, with multiple games scheduled on Opening Day.
Does every team play on Opening Day?
Not all teams play on the official Opening Day. While most teams are scheduled to play, some may have their first game a day or two later due to weather or logistical reasons.
How long is the MLB regular season?
The MLB regular season lasts approximately six months, running from late March or early April through the end of September, totaling 162 games per team.
What time does baseball season start in 2025?
The first games of the 2025 MLB season will begin on March 27, with start times ranging from afternoon to primetime, depending on broadcast arrangements and location.
Why was the 2022 MLB season delayed?
The 2022 MLB season started on April 7 instead of March 31 due to a lockout caused by expired collective bargaining agreements between team owners and the players' union.
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