We all know the classic signs of spring: birds chirping, flowers blooming … and baseball, of course! And lucky for fans across the country, it’s time for hot dogs, peanuts, cracker jacks and grand slams again. Whether you’re rooting for the home team, or cheering for them all (like us), you’ll want to keep up with all things Major League Baseball (MLB).
Check out this guide to the 2025 MLB Season so you’re always up to date on the latest and greatest in pro baseball.
Watch more MLB games than anywhere else with DIRECTV so you never miss your favorite game again.
MLB 2025 Season Expectations
As the 2025 MLB season gets started, here are several key developments and expectations you should know heading into the season:
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Balanced Schedule Continues: MLB will maintain its balanced schedule in 2025, something the league tried in 2024. Each team is set to play all other teams at least once, fostering diverse matchups and increased interleague play.
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Interleague Rivalry Expansion: Starting this season, traditional interleague rivalries will expand from four to six games annually. To accommodate this, certain intraleague matchups will be reduced from seven games to six.
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Rule Adjustments: The pitch clock, which was introduced in 2023, will see minor modifications. Following a dead ball, the clock now restarts as soon as the pitcher receives a new ball from the umpire. Additionally, with runners on base, the pitch clock duration decreases from 20 seconds to 18 seconds.
- Automated Ball Strike (ABS): One of the more controversial topics in baseball, the MLB will begin testing an automated technology that allows teams to challenge the umpire on balls and strikes. This is being tested during Spring Training, with no indication it will impact the upcoming season.
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International Expansion: The 2025 season features a few international games, including the Tokyo Series (March 18-19) and MLB in Monterrey, Mexico (March 24-25), highlighting the league’s commitment to engaging international audiences and showcasing talent worldwide.
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Team Relocations and Stadium Updates: The Oakland Athletics have officially relocated to Sacramento and will play there through 2027 until their new Las Vegas stadium is ready in 2028. The team will also start going by the Athletics, getting ready to leave their Oakland connection behind. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays have invested approximately $50 million to upgrade their field in Tampa, ensuring it meets standards for regular-season games.
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Managerial Changes: Several teams have new leadership for the 2025 season. Notably, the Chicago Cubs hired Craig Counsell as their manager, and the San Diego Padres appointed Mike Shildt.
MLB 2025 Rule Changes
With two seasons in the books with the MLB’s new rules, aimed at speeding up game play and adding more excitement to the sport, experts and fans alike have deemed these changes positive. In 2024, nine-inning games averaged 2 hours and 39 minutes, down more than 25 minutes from 2022, 3 minutes from 2023, and the shortest since 1985 (2:40).
In 2025, however, there will be a few minor tweaks to the rules, explained below.
- Defensive Shift Violation Penalty: When a defensive player commits a shift violation and is the first to field the ball, the batting team can now accept the play’s result or be awarded a free base, with all runners advancing one base. The violating fielder is charged with an error, and the batter is not credited with an at-bat.
- Baserunning Overrun Clarification: Umpires can now call a runner out for abandonment if they overrun second or third base, even if they initially beat the throw.
Take our MLB QUIZ and find out how much baseball history you really know!
Key MLB Schedule Dates
- Spring Training begins: Thursday, Feb. 20
- MLB Spring Breakout: Thursday, March 13th-March 16th
- MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series: Tuesday, March 18th-March 19th
- MLB in Monterrey | Boston Red Sox vs. Sultanes de Monterrey: Monday, March 24th-25th
- Opening Day 2025: Thursday, March 27th
- Jackie Robinson Day: Tuesday, April 15th
- Lou Gehrig Day: Sunday, June 1st – 2nd
- HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile: Friday, July 11th
- MLB All Star Saturday: Saturday, July 12th
- T-Mobile Home Run Derby: Monday, July 14th
- MLB All Star Game presented by Mastercard: Tuesday, July 15th
- MLB Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com: Saturday, August 2nd
- MLB Little League Classic presented by New York Life: Sunday, August 17th
- Roberto Clemente Day: Monday, Sept. 15
- Regular Season Ends: Sunday, Sept 28th
Who you gonna call? Meet some of MLB’s greatest players, the GOATBUSTERS.
2025 MLB League Schedule
With 30 Major League Baseball teams, each playing 162 games, it’s a safe bet that there is almost always a baseball game on TV to watch. Whatever team you root for, keep track of your MLB schedules, MLB players and MLB standings all on DIRECTV. Click the link below to access the league schedule.
Where to Watch MLB Games in 2025
Of course, most baseball fans prefer to get into the game at the ballpark or stadiums, but when that’s not an option, there are many ways to watch MLB. And considering DIRECTV has the most MLB games on TV for fans to watch (with more in-market Regional Sports Networks than DISH, YouTube TV & Hulu+ Live combined), you’ve come to the right place.
Here are the channels needed to watch the most MLB games:
- 30+ Regional Sports Networks (only available in some areas)
- MLB Network® – DIRECTV Channel 213
- ESPN – DIRECTV Channel 206
- FOX – Find your local FOX channel
- FOX Sports 1 – DIRECTV Channel 219
- ABC – Find your local ABC channel
- TBS – DIRECTV Channel 247
- MLB EXTRA INNINGS®
- Apple TV+ (Select Friday Night Baseball Games)
MLB Teams
There are 30 teams in the MLB, split evenly with 15 each in the National League and American League. Click on your team below to view the team’s schedules, standings, top players and more.
MLB Mascots
Mascots are a large part of the fandom of baseball teams, and all but three MLB teams have one to rally behind. The costumed characters range from humanoid baseballs to undefined creatures, each doing their part to amp up the ballpark crowds. Learn about the various MLB mascots and decide which one is your favorite.
Get the Most MLB Games with DIRECTV
When you subscribe to DIRECTV you won’t have to compromise. You can just start watching your favorite teams and games right away!
MLB Top Questions
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked MLB questions.
How long does a baseball game last?
To play nine innings in a regular MLB schedule game usually takes about three hours, with extra innings taking longer. The longest MLB game ever recorded was eight hours and six minutes, and took place over two days, with the Chicago White Sox eventually beating the Milwaukee Brewers in the 25th inning. This epic showdown took place in 1984.
However, with the implementation of the pitch clock, baseball games just got a lot quicker.
Can MLB games end in a tie?
Although rare, MLB games can end in a tie, but only due to inclement weather or extraneous circumstances. Most games play extra innings until a winner is determined.
Are baseball bats hollow?
The official MLB rulebook states, “The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.”
How many perfect games in MLB history?
A perfect game is when the opposing team doesn’t reach base. Since MLB’s induction, there have only been 24 perfect games recorded, with the most recent perfect game achieved on June 28, 2023. While you’re pondering this, check out this inspiring movie on the topic, The Perfect Game.
How many no hitters in MLB history?
Like a perfect game, a no-hitter means that no hits are recorded, but the opposing team can still reach base via a walk. There have been 322 no-hitters in MLB’s storied history, with four achieved during the 2023 season.
What is MLB EXTRA INNINGS®?
For fans who want to watch the most games possible, MLB EXTRA INNINGS® is a home run, with nearly 90 out-of-market games per week, access to MLB Network and MLB Strike Zone™.
MLB Related Coverage
- Did the Dodgers break baseball?
- Top Food Options at American League Baseball Stadiums
- 2025 MLB Power Rankings
- 2024 New MLB Rules & How They Affect The Game
- Which MLB Teams Have the Highest Payroll in 2025?
© 2025 Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. All rights reserved. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many games are in the MLB season?
Each of the 30 MLB teams play 162 games each season. That means that there are 2,430 games to enjoy in the 2025 season.
What MLB team has the most championships?
The New York Yankees have won the World Series 27 times and played in 41 championship games with the 2024 season being the most recent, with a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
When does 2025 Spring Training start?
2025 Spring Training begins on February 20th.
When is 2025 MLB opening day?
Opening day for the 2025 MLB season is on March 27th.
When do MLB playoffs start?
The post season MLB schedules will be released toward the end of the regular season on September 29th.
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