Everything you need to know about A's Spring Training

This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos' Athletics Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

The official start of Spring Training for the A’s marks the beginning of what they hope will be a big step forward after a disappointing 112-loss season in what was the second year of a rebuilding process.

While the A’s endured a second consecutive 100-loss season, which marked only the third such season in Oakland history, signals of a brighter future were present with the Major League arrivals of a group of promising prospects headlined by Zack Gelof, whose hot start to his big league career included American League Rookie of the Month honors for August. With a few more top prospects set to make their way to the Majors in 2024, as well as additions to their starting rotation, Oakland is aiming to field a more competitive roster in what continues to be a tough AL West that features the defending World Series-champion Rangers.

Here are some frequently asked questions that A’s fans might have for 2024 Spring Training:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
A’s pitchers and catchers will have their first workout on Wednesday.

What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
The first full-squad workout for all A’s players is scheduled for Feb. 20.

Where is the team’s facility?
Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz., is the Spring Training home ballpark for the A’s. Workouts take place at Fitch Park (651 N Center St.), a few blocks south of Hohokam.

Can fans attend workouts?
Prior to the A’s first Cactus League game, fans can attend workouts at Fitch Park. Workouts typically begin shortly after 9 a.m. MST and run for several hours.

Who are some new faces fans should know?
Notable newcomers to the A’s include left-handed starter Alex Wood, right-handed starter Ross Stripling, right-handed reliever Trevor Gott, infielder Abraham Toro and outfielder Miguel Andujar. The club also added right-handed pitching prospect Mitch Spence with the first overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft this winter.

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Of MLB Pipeline's list of the A's Top 30 Prospects, 15 will join Oakland in big league camp. Top overall prospect Jacob Wilson and right-hander Mason Miller (No. 2), who flashed electric stuff in his first big league stint last season, headline the group. No. 9 prospect Darell Hernaiz and No. 10 prospect Brett Harris, both of whom are considered close to Major League-ready, will come into camp competing for infield spots on the Opening Day roster.

When is the team’s first Cactus League game?
The A’s open up Cactus League play at 1:05 p.m. MST on Feb. 24, against the Rockies at Hohokam Stadium.

What are a few other notable spring games?
As part of Big League Weekend, an A’s split squad will play two Cactus League games against the Brewers on March 8-9 at Las Vegas Ballpark, home of the Las Vegas Aviators, Oakland’s Triple-A affiliate.

What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
Spring Breakout is a new event that will see all 30 MLB clubs assemble rosters comprised of around 20-25 of their top prospects to play exhibition games against each other's prospect teams during Spring Training in Arizona and Florida from March 14-17. Some games will be standalone; others will be half of a traditional doubleheader followed by an MLB Spring Training game.

The A’s are scheduled to host a doubleheader on March 15 at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz., with their top prospects facing the Giants’ prospects at 4:05 p.m. in a contest that will follow a traditional Cactus League game against San Francisco.

Will the team’s games be televised?
A schedule of televised games for Spring Training has not yet been announced. A’s Spring Training games will be broadcast on Bloomberg 960 AM and streamed on A's Cast through iHeart and athletics.com.

When is the club’s last game in Arizona?
Oakland's final game in Arizona is at 12:05 p.m. MST on March 23 against the Angels at Hohokam Stadium.

Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
The A's close out Spring Training with a return to the Bay Area to take part in the annual preseason Bay Bridge Series with the Giants. Exhibition games are scheduled for March 25 (6:40 p.m. PT at Oakland Coliseum) and March 26 (5:05 p.m. PT at Oracle Park).

What are the details for Opening Day?
The A's open their season on March 28 against the Guardians at the Coliseum. First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. PT.