Spring training 2022: When does MLB baseball season start, delay issue, opening day date, how to watch in UK

National World takes a look at the key dates and all of the latest going on as some of baseball’s biggest names prepare to return to action next month.

When does the season start?

The Spring training schedule will get underway on Saturday 5th March with 44 fixtures set to take place over three days.

The opening day of the 2022 regular season is planned for Thursday 31st March but that could be delayed - more of that in a moment!

What are the other key dates for the season?

Other key dates to look out for are All-Star Week, which takes place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles between 15th-19th July.

The 92nd All-Star game will also take place at Dodger Stadium on 19th July and the final scheduled day of the regular season is set to take place on Sunday 2nd October.

Why was the start of the season delayed?

As stated above, Major League Baseball has set Thursday 31st March as the start date for the 2022 regular season.

However, that could be delayed if the organisation and the Major League Baseball Players Association are unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement over the next week.

USA Today have reported a failure to find a mutual agreement would delay the season by a week and players will miss out on salaries for each game they miss.

ESPN have suggested the union are requesting salaries start at $775,000, with the league offer standing at $640,000 and an increase of $10,000 in the years that follow.

A league spokesman spoke about the situation earlier this week, saying: "This was an attempt to respond positively to a series of proposals by the MLBPA that have gone backwards.

“We have five days to reach an agreement so there is still time for a breakthrough. We are here to get a deal done – but they are going to have to start moving towards us rather than away from us to get this done.

“The deadline is the deadline. After February 28, games will be cancelled. Missed games are missed games and salary will not be paid for those games.”

Where can I watch games in the UK when the season gets underway?

BT Sports currently hold the UK rights to broadcast regular season games.

The broadcaster will show games throughout the season via their BT Sport ESPN channels and online through the BT Sport app and website.

Who are the favourites to win the 2022 World Series?

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the current favourites to win the 2022 World Series and they are rated at 11/2 with SkyBet.

The best of the rest includes Houston Astros (8/1), Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees (both 10/1), current World Series champions Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Jays and Toronto Blue Jays (all 12/1).