The Cactus League and Spring Training 2026

The Cactus League and Spring Training 2026 begins on February 10. That is when four teams have their pitchers and catchers report. By February 12, all teams will have their battery members in camp. All position players are are to report the following week.

Cactus League

The Cactus League currently comprises 15 teams: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and the Athletics.

Old-Man Winter

Old Man Winter is having a defining and significant season right now. There has been historic sleet and snow. As well as exceptionally low temperatures, across the nation, However, not as much in the southwest. That cold weather is projected to continue through March. Then again, as soon as baseball fans see Spring Training report dates and the Cactus League schedule come out, they begin to warm up.

Escape

Many baseball fans will look to escape the chilly, freezing, and frigid climates. This year it includes the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast and Canada. Fans will look to spend as much time as they can in the greater Phoenix area for Cactus League games. The 70- to 80- degree spring temperatures, along with bright, warm sun, are something everyone is grateful for. Along with up-to-date, stylish stadiums and modern amenities, it all calls on any baseball fan to come, appreciate, and enjoy

Vacation and Spring Break

The Cactus League and Spring Training draws winter visitors to the greater Phoenix area in February and March. Yes, many of these visitors are retirees who spend their winters in the “Valley of the Sun.” On the other hand parents with school-age children plan their vacation around their schools’ break schedules. They spend a week in the Valley to see some baseball. A recent trend at Cactus League games that continues to grow is the presence of college students. They either remain in town or plan their spring breaks in Phoenix. They look to enjoy the weather while taking in games—and maybe forget about their studies for a while.

Gaining in Popularity

Game schedules make it easy for businesses to have day-at-the-ballpark events for employees and their families. Several stadiums offer suites or party decks. Those can be rented and used for meetings and team-building events. The game is not considered an essential part of college or business life. But the camaraderie, friendships, and relationship-building found at a Cactus League venue can be valuable.

Nothing but Comfort

Spring Training also brings comfort and relaxation. Many stadiums offer lawn seating, allowing families to bring blankets and stretch out in the outfield. Children can run around, meet other baseball children, and get involved in a chase after home-run balls. The ever-popular chance to play catch with a player in the outfield happens during inning breaks on many occasions.

Attend Practices

Lately, a popular option has been allowing fans to attend most Spring Training practices. Stadiums and teams offer an exceptional, unique, and fan-friendly setting. Players and coaches are more accessible, easy-going, and relaxed. Overall, it’s a great spot for fans to interact with their baseball heroes while getting pictures and autographs.

Day/Night Games

The ten venues of the Cactus League are located in the greater Phoenix area and are no more than 50 miles from one another. Some are as close as 15 miles in proximity. The Cactus League has added more evening games this season. The stadiums’ locations and the schedule provide a unique opportunity for fans to create their own doubleheaders. Take in an afternoon game at one stadium and make it to another for a night game. For a complete schedule of games with locations, see Cactus League Schedule.

Automated Ball-Strike

The 2026 Cactus League offers events and more for baseball fans. Last season, Spring Training included testing of the MLB’s Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) at some stadiums. That system will be used full-time throughout the 2026 regular season and the playoffs. All Cactus League stadiums are ready to ensure everything runs smoothly before the regular season begins, and again are testing the system to make sure it’s fine-tuned and ready to go day one.

World Baseball Classic

On March 3 and 4, the Cactus League takes an exciting turn as MLB hosts World Baseball Classic (WBC) warm-up games, showcasing international baseball excellence. The league’s MLB clubs will face WBC National Teams from six different countries in action-packed, adrenaline-charged match ups across Cactus League venues. These distinct games serve as the final tune-up before the WBC itself begins on March 6.

Other Key Highlights

A “Spring Breakout,” featuring MLB’s top prospects, takes place March 19–22 as part of the Spring Training schedule. Every organization will play at least one game featuring its top prospects. College baseball is also part of Spring Training with the 2026 MLB Desert Invitational. This takes place February 13-16 and includes games featuring eight college teams, hosted across several ballparks.

New York Yankees

The 2026 Spring Training season sees the return of the New York Yankees to Cactus League play. In 1951, they did a one-year swap with the New York Giants. Spring Training in Phoenix was their home for that one season. They return to the greater Phoenix area for two Cactus League games against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park, March 23 and 24. It is possible new attendance records could set at either game.  Maybe even both! The all-time Cactus League record is 16,161 set at Sloan Park.

Inaugural Cactus League Golf Tournament

New for 2026 Spring Training is the Cactus League Golf Tournament  at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale. The event brings the baseball community and its advocates together for a fun day of fundraising, and camaraderie to support the Cactus League’s mission.

Great Time for Baseball

The Cactus League is always a great time for baseball. Fans are always excited and optimistic during this time. With over 200 games between February 20 and the end of March 24, everyone has a chance to attend. Fans can relax, enjoy their favorite beverages and baseball snacks, bask in the desert warmth and hospitality, and watch some great baseball. Even though the games count only for bragging rights and as a preview of what’s to come, fans are ready to hear the words PLAY BALL!

Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).

Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).