What to know about Red Sox Spring Training
The 2023 Red Sox, a team with plenty of motivation to avenge last season’s last-place finish in the American League East, will soon be getting after it in Spring Training.
Led by star slugger Rafael Devers, who is signed for the next 11 seasons, the Sox have an interesting roster that features several newcomers. Here are the answers to several questions you might have about Spring Training:
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
The first official workout for pitchers and catchers is on Feb. 15. The voluntary report date for pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic is Feb. 13.
What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
The first full-squad workout will take place on Feb. 20. Position players participating in the Classic have a report date of Feb. 16.
Where is the team’s facility?
The Red Sox train at Fenway South off Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers, Fla. JetBlue Park, where the Sox play their Grapefruit League games and which has the same dimensions as Fenway Park, is in the same development as the sprawling complex of practice fields. Fenway South is at a convenient location right off the highway and near the airport.
Can fans attend workouts?
Workouts are open and free to the public to attend.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
The newcomer who is likely to draw the most attention is Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida. The Sox invested five years and more than $90 million, plus a $15.4 million posting fee to the Orix Buffaloes, in a player known for his keen batting eye.
From the free-agent market, the Sox also added several veterans: infielder/DH Justin Turner, outfielder Adam Duvall, starting pitcher Corey Kluber, closer Kenley Jansen and setup men Chris Martin and Joely Rodríguez. The supremely athletic yet oft-injured infielder Adalberto Mondesi was added in a trade with the Royals.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Ceddanne Rafaela, a five-tool prospect who broke out last season, was added to the 40-man roster in November and will participate in his first Major League camp. Rafaela’s best position is center field, where he is a standout; he can also play shortstop. Speaking of shortstops, Matthew Lugo, Boston’s second-round pick in the 2019 Draft, headlines the list of non-roster invitees in camp.
Speedy INF/OF David Hamilton, acquired from the Brewers in December 2021, will be a player to keep tabs on in Spring Training. On the pitching side, lefty starters Chris Murphy and Brandon Walter, will get a chance to impress the brass.
Which players will be participating in the World Baseball Classic?
Though final rosters for the Classic haven’t been announced yet, the Sox will likely have their fair share of notable players participating in the showcase event, including Devers (Dominican Republic), Kiké Hernández (Puerto Rico), Yoshida (Japan), Alex Verdugo (Mexico), Nick Pivetta (Canada) and Rafaela (Netherlands).
When is the team’s first Grapefruit League game?
The Sox open with a road game against the Braves on Feb. 25.
What are a few other notable spring games?
The home opener is Feb. 26 against the Rays. Team Puerto Rico’s World Baseball Classic squad will play an exhibition against the Sox on March 8 at JetBlue Park. The next day, Boston travels to Tampa to face the Yankees. Just three days later, a split-squad Yankees will go to Fort Myers. On March 1 and 2, the Sox play the reigning American and National League champs on back-to-back days, first facing the Astros in West Palm Beach and then hosting the Phillies.
Will the team’s games be televised?
Not all the games will be on television, but NESN is expected to air roughly 25 Grapefruit League games, including most of the Saturday and Sunday contests. The college exhibition against Northeastern on Feb. 24 will be televised, as well as the Grapefruit League opener against the Braves the next day. NESN hasn’t released its full schedule of games in Spring Training yet.
When is the club’s last game in Florida?
Manager Alex Cora’s squad will break camp following a March 28 home game against the Braves.
Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
No. The coaching staff and players will get a full day to soak up their surroundings in Boston before the 2023 season begins.
What are the details for Opening Day?
For the Red Sox, the 2023 season starts on March 30 at 2:10 p.m. ET at Fenway Park against the Orioles. In the event of inclement weather, which is always possible during that time of year in Boston, there is an open date of March 31 as a backup option.