What to know about Cubs Spring Training

CHICAGO -- Cubs manager David Ross was able to take a break from text messages, phone conversations and video chats when he had the bulk of his staff and roster with him at Cubs Convention last month. Having everyone in the same room in Chicago had Ross thinking ahead to Spring Training.

"This is it. This is the exciting time," Ross said. "It gets the blood pumping, for sure."

The North Siders just had one of the busier offseasons in baseball, upgrading a roster in transition with the goal of emerging from a two-year rebuild. As the Cubs convene in Arizona to prepare for the coming season, here is a FAQ breakdown for the ballclub:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Plenty of players are already on site, but the first official workout for the Cubs' pitchers and catchers is set for Feb. 15.

What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Cubs position players are expected to join the fold in time for the first official full-team workout on Feb. 20.

Where is the team’s facility?
Sloan Park, the Cubs' home stadium for Spring Training, is located at 2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. in Mesa, Ariz. The team's training facility for both the Major League club and the Minor League affiliates is located just to the west of the ballpark on the same property.

Can fans attend workouts?
There is plenty of space for fans to line up around the two main practice fields across Clark St. on Sloan Park's west side. There is a walking path from the practice complex to the stadium, giving fans a unique chance to see players up close as they make their way to the ballpark. The Minor League fields also have parking and fan access to see the club's prospects go through workouts and play games.

Who are some new faces fans should know?
The Cubs had a busy offseason, reeling in a pile of new players. Shortstop Dansby Swanson tops the list, having signed a seven-year, $177 million contract with the North Siders. Other new additions include starter Jameson Taillon, center fielder Cody Bellinger, reliever Brad Boxberger, catcher Tucker Barnhart and first basemen Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini.

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Between the 40-man roster and non-roster invitees, the Cubs currently project to have 11 players from Pipeline's most recent Top 30 Prospects list for the ballclub. That group includes outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (No.1), outfielder Brennen Davis (No. 2), outfielder Kevin Alcantara (No. 3), righty Ben Brown (No. 7), outfielder Alexander Canario (No. 9), righty Hayden Wesneski (No. 12), righty Caleb Kilian (No. 14), catcher Miguel Amaya (No. 16), first baseman Matt Mervis (No. 21), infielder Chase Strumpf (No. 25) and righty Ryan Jensen (No. 28).

Which players will be participating in the World Baseball Classic?
The World Baseball Classic rosters were announced Thursday and a few prominent Cubs players are lined up to participate. This list is headlined by Marcus Stroman, who will pitch for Puerto Rico after beating them with Team USA in the Classic title game in 2017. Outfielder Seiya Suzuki (Japan), righty Javier Assad (Mexico), outfield prospect Owen Caissie (Canada) and Mervis (Israel) are also taking part, as well as infielder Miles Mastrobuoni (Italy) and non-roster pitcher Roenis Elías (Cuba), among others.

When is the team’s first Cactus League game?
The Cubs host the Giants at 2:05 p.m. CT on Feb. 25 at Sloan Park to open the Spring Training slate of games.

What are a few other notable spring games?
The Cubs will face Team Canada on March 8 at Sloan Park. The Cubs and White Sox will square off four times. The North Siders will host the South Siders on March 10 before heading to Camelback Ranch on March 17. The Cubs and Sox will then close out their spring schedules with back-to-back games at Sloan Park on March 27-28.

Will the team’s games be televised?
All of the Cubs' spring games will be aired on Marquee Sports Network unless selected for a national broadcast.

When is the club’s last game in Arizona?
The Cubs will host the White Sox at 2:05 p.m. CT at Sloan Park on March 28.

What are the details for Opening Day?
For the second consecutive season (and third time in four years), the Cubs will take on the rival Brewers on Opening Day. The 2023 lid-lifter is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CT at Wrigley Field on March 30.