Who, what, where and when: Your guide to Yankees Spring Training
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This story was excerpted from Bryan Hoch’s Yankees Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
As the Yankees prepare to arrive at their spring home, they’ll do so by carrying two of the game’s top offensive stars in Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, plus reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole. After posting just 82 victories in an injury-riddled 2023 campaign, though, the group will be showing up with a lot to prove.
“This is that time of year when everyone gets very excited for the season,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Hope springs eternal. And we’re certainly excited to get down and get it rolling.”
With Spring Training fast approaching, here's what you need to know:
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When is the first workout for Yankees pitchers and catchers?
Thursday, Feb. 15.
What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Where is George M. Steinbrenner Field?
Steinbrenner Field, where the Yankees play all their Grapefruit League home games, is located at 1 Steinbrenner Drive in Tampa, Fla.
Can fans attend workouts?
Yes. Steinbrenner Field will be open to fans, with free admission and parking, for workouts held Feb. 15-24.
Who are some of the new faces that fans should know?
The December trade for Soto represented the Yanks’ most significant offseason move. An on-base machine with impressive power who is already a three-time All-Star, World Series champion, batting champion and four-time Silver Slugger -- all at age 25 -- Soto figures to join Judge in a fearsome combo at the top of the lineup.
Other prominent additions include right-hander Marcus Stroman (signed as a free agent) and outfielder Alex Verdugo (acquired from the Red Sox).
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Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
There will be a lot of eyes on outfielder Spencer Jones this spring. MLB Pipeline rates the 22-year-old Jones as the Yankees’ No. 1 prospect and the No. 84 prospect in all of baseball. At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, some scouts have likened Jones to a left-handed version of a young Aaron Judge.
Right-hander Chase Hampton (Yankees No. 4), catcher/first baseman Ben Rice (Yankees No. 21) and right-hander Will Warren (Yankees No. 8) are among the Bombers farmhands who will be looking to impress.
When is the Yankees’ first Grapefruit League game?
The Yanks open their spring slate on the road, visiting the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla., on Feb. 24 at 1:05 p.m. ET. The Bombers’ first spring home game is a split-squad contest against the Blue Jays on Feb. 25 at 1:05 p.m. ET.
What are a few other notable spring games?
The Yankees will get early looks at their American League East competition with home contests against the Blue Jays (Feb. 25, March 1, March 16), Orioles (March 11), Rays (March 6) and Red Sox (March 13).
Additionally, the Mets will visit Steinbrenner Field on March 22 and March 25, both at 1:05 p.m. ET. The Yanks play the Tigers and Blue Jays five times each (home and road).
The Yankees are scheduled to play five games under the lights at Steinbrenner Field, the first being against the Marlins on Feb. 29 at 6:35 p.m. ET. The other home night games are March 1 vs. Blue Jays, March 7 vs. Tigers, and March 15 and March 20 vs. Pirates.
Finally, the Yankees are adding international spice to their spring slate with two exhibitions in Mexico City on March 24 and 25. The games will be played against the Diablos Rojos del México at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium.
What is Spring Breakout, and when is the game?
Spring Training will look different this year, as MLB’s most promising talent will participate in a four-day event called “Spring Breakout,” showcasing baseball’s future and the current stars of Minor League Baseball.
Each Major League club will field a team of their top 20 to 25 prospects to play exhibitions against another club’s top prospects while creating in-park fan engagement opportunities centered around up-and-coming players.
“Spring Breakout will provide a new opportunity to showcase the future stars of the game as they continue on their journey to the Major Leagues,” said Commissioner Robert D. Manfred. “Our fans will get unique opportunities to meet our best prospects, get autographs, and see the next generation of Major Leaguers up close.”
For the Yankees, the date to mark is March 16, when there will be a unique doubleheader at Steinbrenner Field. The Yankees are scheduled to host the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. ET, and then the Bombers’ top prospects will face Toronto’s top prospects at approximately 4:05 p.m. ET.
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Will the Yankees’ games be broadcast?
All 18 spring home games at Steinbrenner Field will be broadcast on the YES App, with 15 of those exhibitions appearing on the YES Network. Feb. 29 vs. Marlins, March 7 vs. Tigers and March 23 vs. Phillies will be YES App exclusives.
WFAN will broadcast seven games this spring: March 15 vs. Pirates, March 16 vs. Blue Jays, March 20 vs. Pirates, March 22 vs. Mets, March 23 vs. Phillies, March 24 at Pirates, and March 25 vs. Mets.
When is the Yankees’ last game in Florida?
The Yanks are playing a split-squad game against the Mets on March 25 at 1:05 p.m. ET, which will take place on the same day as the contest against the Diablos Rojos in Mexico City.
What are the details for Opening Day?
The Yankees will open the regular season on March 28 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, facing the Astros at 4:10 p.m. ET.
Following seven games on the road against the Astros and Diamondbacks, the Yankees will host the Blue Jays for the Yankee Stadium home opener on April 5 at 1:05 p.m. ET.