How to Stream MLB Spring Training Games Live and Catch Preseason Baseball Action
Baseball enthusiasts, rejoice! The beloved sport is making its return! If you’ve been eagerly following your favorite players’ arrivals at spring training, anticipation for the regular season must be reaching its peak. While streaming exhibition games may seem complex, fret not! We’ve compiled all the information you need to ensure you don’t miss a moment of MLB spring training action.
Before the commencement of the 2024-2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season, all 30 teams embark on spring training, engaging in a series of games against each other. These franchises are divided into two leagues: the Cactus League and the Grapefruit League, situated in Arizona and Florida, respectively. Spring training serves as the MLB’s preseason, consisting of practices and games conducted just before the official season begins.
This preseason period offers opportunities for new players to vie for roster spots and positions. For existing players, it’s a crucial time for honing skills and gauging the competition. Moreover, spring training grants fans the chance to attend games in person or catch glimpses of their favorite teams on television.
Players typically arrive for spring training in early February, with pitchers and catchers being the first to show up, followed by position players a few days later. Official spring training games commence in late February and extend until the day before Opening Day of the regular season, usually in the last week of March or the first week of April. The 2024 preseason kicks off with an enticing matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres on Thursday, February 22.
Keep an eye out for major trades from the offseason, featuring players like Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto joining the Los Angeles Dodgers; Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Marcus Stroman on the New York Yankees; Josh Hader on the Houston Astros; and Chris Sale on the Atlanta Braves, among others.
Streaming MLB games, including spring training fixtures, may seem daunting, but fear not! We’ve gathered all the necessary information to help you tune in to your favorite team’s games before the regular season kicks off. Read on to discover how to watch MLB spring training games live, whether you’re seeking a free option or the best plan for your preferences.
How to Watch MLB Spring Training Games Live for Free MLB spring training games are broadcast on MLB Network, ESPN, and ESPN Plus, accessible for streaming through services like DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling Orange + Sports Extra, and Hulu+ With Live TV. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial and starts at $69.99 per month after the trial ends. If you’re using DirecTV Stream to stream MLB spring training games aired on ESPN, the cost is $69.99 per month. Additionally, DirecTV Stream provides MLB Network with its Choice, Ultimate, and Premier plans, starting at $84.99 per month.
Fubo offers a seven-day free trial and starts at $79.99 per month post-trial. Access to MLB spring training games on ESPN via Fubo costs $79.99 per month. However, Fubo offers an MLB.TV add-on, allowing you to stream every out-of-market MLB game live or on demand for an additional $24.99 per month ($104.98 total per month).
Sling Orange + Sports Extra, Sling Blue + Sports Extra, and Hulu+ With Live TV don’t offer free trials, but they come at lower monthly costs. With Sling, you can watch MLB spring training games aired on ESPN using Sling Orange for $20 in the first month and $40 per month thereafter. Alternatively, Sling Orange + Sports Extra includes MLB Network for $33 in the first month, starting at $51 monthly thereafter, while Sling Blue + Sports Extra offers MLB Network for $33.50 in the first month, starting at $56 monthly thereafter.
For a detailed breakdown of streaming options, including free trials and pricing plans, read on:
Best Overall Pick: DirecTV Stream Best Free Trial Pick: Fubo Best Budget Pick: Sling Best Upgrade Pick: Hulu+ With Live TV
When Does MLB Spring Training Start? MLB spring training for 2024 begins on Thursday, February 22 and concludes on Thursday, March 28.
For the complete MLB spring training game schedule, visit mlb.com. To find out which MLB spring training games are airing on ESPN and ESPN Plus, refer to the schedules below:
ESPN Spring Training Schedule Date Time Game Thursday, February 22 3 p.m. ET Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres Friday, February 23 3 p.m. ET San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday, March 5 1 p.m. ET New York Yankees vs. New York Mets Thursday, March 7 1 p.m. ET Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox
ESPN Plus Spring Training Schedule Date Time Game Thursday, March 21 1 p.m. ET Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals Friday, March 22 1 p.m. ET New York Mets vs. New York Yankees Saturday, March 23 1 p.m. ET Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees Sunday, March 24 1 p.m. ET Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox Monday, March 25 1 p.m. ET Los Angeles Angels vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday, March 26 1 p.m. ET St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs
Where Is MLB Spring Training? MLB spring training for 2024 takes place in Arizona and Florida. The Cactus League games are held at various venues in Arizona, while the Grapefruit League games occur at multiple locations in Florida. Check out the MLB spring training leagues, teams, and locations below:
Cactus League Teams and Locations (Arizona) Arizona Diamondbacks – Scottsdale Chicago Cubs – Mesa Chicago White Sox – Glendale Cincinnati Reds – Goodyear Cleveland Guardians – Goodyear Colorado Rockies – Scottsdale Kansas City Royals – Surprise Los Angeles Angels – Tempe Los Angeles Dodgers – Glendale Milwaukee Brewers – Phoenix Oakland Athletics – Mesa San Diego Padres – Peoria San Francisco Giants – Scottsdale Seattle Mariners – Peoria Texas Rangers – Surprise
Grapefruit League Teams and Locations (Florida) Atlanta Braves – North Port Baltimore Orioles – Sarasota Boston Red Sox – Fort Myers Detroit Tigers – Lakeland Houston Astros – West Palm Beach Miami Marlins – Jupiter Minnesota Twins – Fort Myers New York Mets – Port St. Lucie New York Yankees – Tampa Philadelphia Phillies – Clearwater Pittsburgh Pirates – Bradenton St. Louis Cardinals – Jupiter Tampa Bay Rays – Port Charlotte Toronto Blue Jays – Dunedin Washington Nationals – West Palm Beach
With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to catch all the exhilarating action of MLB spring training, setting the stage for an electrifying regular season ahead. Happy streaming, and enjoy the baseball extravaganza!