MLB sets spring training schedule pending resolution of collective bargaining
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 6:58 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
Major League Baseball released a spring training schedule Friday with exhibition games slated to begin February 19 in Florida and Arizona. Workouts for the 30 teams are scheduled to start February 9, followed by the regular season opener on March 24. These plans remain contingent on reaching a new collective bargaining agreement before the current one expires December 1. Management and the players' association remain at an impasse regarding a proposed salary cap, a structure the union has rejected. A lockout from owners is expected upon the contract expiration, which could disrupt the start of the season. Historical precedent exists for such labor disputes, as the 2022 season saw a delayed start due to negotiations that lasted until March 10.
- •Exhibition games are scheduled to begin February 19 in Florida and Arizona.
- •Spring training workouts are slated to commence February 9.
- •The current collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1.
- •The players' association has rejected management's proposal for a new salary cap.
- •The regular season is scheduled to begin on March 24.
- 7:27 PMESPN MLB — MLB sets Feb. 19 spring start amid CBA tensions
- 6:50 PMYahoo Sports — MLB announces 2027 spring training start date amid ongoing labor unrest with MLBPA
- 6:02 PMYahoo Sports — MLB's spring training schedule to start Feb. 19 — if there is labor peace
"Baseball's spring training schedule will start Feb. 19 — if there is labor peace. Major League Baseball said Friday that all 30 teams are scheduled to play exhibition games that day in Florida and Arizona as part of the leadup to the season's start on March 24. MLB has proposed a salary cap for the first time since the 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95, and the players' association says it never will agree to a cap system.
"Baseball's spring training schedule will start Feb. 19 -- if there is labor peace.
"Spring training will kick off Feb. 19, 2027 ... unless it won't.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBSep 4, 2026, 7:27 PMMLB sets Feb. 19 spring start amid CBA tensions
Baseball's spring training schedule will start Feb. 19 -- if there is labor peace.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 6:50 PMMLB announces 2027 spring training start date amid ongoing labor unrest with MLBPA
Spring training will kick off Feb. 19, 2027 ... unless it won't.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 6:02 PMMLB's spring training schedule to start Feb. 19 — if there is labor peace
Baseball's spring training schedule will start Feb. 19 — if there is labor peace. Major League Baseball said Friday that all 30 teams are scheduled to play exhibition games that day in Florida and Arizona as part of the leadup to the season's start on March 24. MLB has proposed a salary cap for the first time since the 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95, and the players' association says it never will agree to a cap system.
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