What to know about Marlins Spring Training

February 8th, 2024

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

It might have been chilly in South Florida of late, but spring is about to begin.

A week from today, Marlins pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout in preparation for the 2024 season. Though Miami will be without ace Sandy Alcantara (Tommy John surgery rehab), nearly the entire roster that secured a National League Wild Card berth last September is back.

Here's a quick guide to Marlins Spring Training:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?

Pitchers and catchers have their first workout next Thursday.

What is the date of the first full-squad workout?

The full squad's first workout is Feb. 20.

Where is the team’s facility?

The Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex is located in Jupiter, Fla., about 83 miles north of loanDepot park off Interstate 95.

Can fans attend workouts?

Workouts on the backfields will be open to fans beginning next Thursday. Admittance is free. Gates will open at 9 a.m. ET and remain so as long as practice is in session. Viewing will conclude when the workouts end. Complimentary parking will be located in front of the backfield entrance gates for preseason workouts.

Who are some new faces fans should know?

Infielder/outfielder Vidal Bruján; catcher Christian Bethancourt; infielder Jonah Bride; right-handed relievers Calvin Faucher, Roddery Muñoz and Declan Cronin

Bruján and Faucher were acquired in president of baseball operations Peter Bendix’s first trade with the Marlins. Bethancourt, who has been competing for Panama in the Caribbean Series, will split catching duties with Nick Fortes. Bride and Muñoz were acquired in minor trades, while Cronin was a waiver claim.

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?

Right-handers Max Meyer (MLB Pipeline's No. 3 Marlins prospect) and Anthony Maldonado (No. 23); left-handers Patrick Monteverde (No. 15) and Josh Simpson (No. 25); catcher Will Banfield (No. 26); first baseman Troy Johnston (No. 20); third baseman Jacob Berry (No. 4); shortstop Jacob Amaya (No. 5); outfielders Victor Mesa Jr. (No. 6) and Dane Myers (No. 13); middle infielder/outfielder Javier Sanoja (No. 16)

Meyer is returning from Tommy John surgery rehab, while Mesa and Maldonado were added to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. Berry and Amaya will be at big league camp for the second time. Myers came out of nowhere and made his MLB debut last July 4.

Monteverde (organization’s 2023 Pitcher of the Year), Sanoja (Single-A Jupiter’s MVP), Johnston (organization’s 2023 Player of the Year) and Banfield (Double-A Pensacola’s MVP) are non-roster invitees.

Who are the other non-roster invitees?

Right-handers Elvis Alvarado, Matt Andriese, Luarbert Arias, Jeff Lindgren and Kyle Tyler; left-hander Devin Smeltzer; catchers Bennett Hostetler, Paul McIntosh and Jhonny Pereda; infielders José Devers, Tristan Gray and Trey Mancini; outfielders Griffin Conine, Marty Costes and Jonathan Davis

I highlighted the first round of names in my Jan. 25 newsletter, but additional players have been announced since. Two in particular stand out:

Hostetler, who was selected in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, converted to catcher prior to the '22 season. In '23, the 26-year-old reached Double-A Pensacola, where he posted an .851 OPS in 71 games. He split time at backstop, first base and third base.

In 2023, McIntosh, 26, posted a .775 OPS between three Minor League levels, then a .726 OPS in the Arizona Fall League. Signed after going undrafted out of West Virginia University in '21, McIntosh is a bat-first catcher working on his defense.

When is the team’s first Grapefruit League game?

Feb. 24 against the split-squad Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with first pitch at 1:05 p.m.

What are a few other notable spring games?

• Youth Day every Saturday entails $20 tickets for kids 16 and under (tickets can only be purchased at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium ticket window)
• March 4: Host Yankees at 6:40 p.m.
• March 6: Senior Day entails $20 tickets for 55 and older (tickets can only be purchased at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium ticket window)
• March 8: Host Mets at 6:40 p.m.
• March 16: Host Phillies at 1:10 p.m.
• March 22: Host Cardinals at 6:40 p.m. with an on-field pregame ring ceremony honoring the Marlins’ 2023 Minor League championship teams

What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?

Marlins and Cardinals top prospects will square off at 2:05 p.m. on March 15 in a seven-inning game that will open a doubleheader between the two organizations. There will be postgame fireworks after the twin bill’s nightcap.

Will the team’s games be televised?

Stay tuned. The broadcast schedule should be announced in the near future.

When is the club’s last Grapefruit League game?

March 24 against the split-squad Mets at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with first pitch at 1:10 p.m.

Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season

No.

What are the details for Opening Day?

Miami will host Pittsburgh on March 28 at loanDepot park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. The Marlins’ seven-game opening homestand will feature the Pirates and Angels.