What to know about Twins Spring Training
MINNEAPOLIS -- Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton will now be united in Twins uniforms for at least the next six seasons, and that era of Minnesota baseball will continue next week, when pitchers and catchers are scheduled to arrive in Fort Myers, Fla., for the start of Spring Training camp at the Lee County Sports Complex.
Here’s everything you need to know about the month and a half that lies ahead.
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Pitchers and catchers report to Twins camp on Feb. 15 ahead of their first workout on Feb. 16.
What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Position players report to Twins camp on Feb. 19, with the first full-squad workout then scheduled for Feb. 20.
Where is the team’s facility?
Hammond Stadium is the centerpiece of the Lee County Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla., which is located at 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy. It’s a short drive west of Southwest Florida International Airport and about a 20-minute drive south of downtown Fort Myers.
Can fans attend workouts?
Yes. The back fields of the complex, where Major and Minor Leaguers rotate through workouts and batting practice sessions, are open to the public for free. The Twins also sometimes open a small, elevated section of Hammond Stadium down the third-base line to the public during workouts, from which the home bullpens and main field are visible.
Hall of Famers Rod Carew and Tony Oliva have been known to roam the complex on a golf cart to say hi to fans when they take a quick break from working with the team.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
First-time Twins at camp include right-hander Jorge López, catcher Christian Vázquez, infielder Kyle Farmer, and outfielders Joey Gallo and Michael A. Taylor. Oh, and that Correa guy is back.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
The prospect group will be headlined by 2022 first-round pick Brooks Lee, whose first professional Spring Training will take place on the Major League side. Royce Lewis’ recovery from a second torn ACL will continue this spring, and keep an eye on infielder Edouard Julien, who was added to the 40-man roster this offseason and has rocketed up prospect boards due to his extreme on-base ability and exceptional showing in the Arizona Fall League.
Which players will be participating in the World Baseball Classic?
Team Puerto Rico might as well be the Twins’ rebranding during the World Baseball Classic. Jose Miranda, Vázquez, Jorge López and Emilio Pagán are all expected to play for Puerto Rico -- alongside former Twins fan favorites José Berríos and Eddie Rosario. Correa initially intended to play for Puerto Rico but withdrew due to the expected due date of his second child.
Newly acquired right-hander Pablo López expects to pitch for Venezuela, while Jhoan Duran and Jorge Polanco are on the roster for the Dominican Republic, whose general manager is another former Minnesota fan favorite in Nelson Cruz. Also worth noting: The Twins’ Spring Training complex will play host to the WBC training camp for Team Dominican Republic.
When is the team’s first Grapefruit League game?
The Twins open their Grapefruit League schedule with a pair of split-squad contests on Feb. 25. Half of the team will stay at Hammond Stadium to host the Rays, while the other half will head north to Sarasota for a road game against the Orioles.
Tickets can be purchased at twins.com/springtickets.
What are a few other notable spring games?
The highlight of the schedule will take place on March 9, when the Twins will host Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Team Dominican Republic for an exhibition game.
The Twins’ crosstown matchups against the Red Sox will take place on Feb. 27, March 3, March 11, March 22 and March 26. They’ll host the Yankees at Hammond Stadium on March 13 and will head up to Tampa for a road game against the Bronx Bombers on March 24.
Will the team’s games be televised?
The Twins have not yet announced a broadcast schedule. Typically, they air a limited number of games on Bally Sports North, including several simulcasts of the radio broadcast on the Treasure Island Baseball Network.
When is the club’s last game in Florida?
The Twins will wrap up their Grapefruit League schedule with a road contest against the Pirates in Bradenton on March 28.
For more information about Twins Spring Training, visit twins.com/springtraining.
Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
No.
What are the details for Opening Day?
The Twins will open their 2023 regular season in Kansas City, with first pitch against the Royals scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CT on March 30. Their home opener is slated to take place April 6 against the Astros.