Everything to know ahead of Blue Jays Spring Training
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This story was excerpted from Keegan Matheson¡¯s Blue Jays Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
TORONTO -- The long wait is over.
Blue Jays baseball is (almost) back, and here¡¯s everything you¡¯ll need to know for Spring Training in Dunedin, Fla.
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
February 13, but many players have already been at the complex ramping up for camp, while some others, who live in the area, use the facilities all offseason.
What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
February 18, which could be when you hear from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. about his future with the Blue Jays.
Where is the team¡¯s facility?
Player development complex: 3031 Garrison Road, Dunedin, FL
TD Ballpark: 373 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, FL
Can fans attend workouts?
Yes. The Blue Jays are opening up their player development complex from Feb. 17-21, and fans will be able to watch from an assigned area. Fan hours will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. On-site parking opens at 9:30 a.m. and will be very limited.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
Anthony Santander headlines the Blue Jays¡¯ additions this season after signing a five-year, $92.5 million deal. Expect him to slot in right behind Guerrero in the lineup to add some much-needed pop. Andr¨¦s Gim¨¦nez was the other big position player addition, coming over in a trade from the Guardians in December to give Toronto another one of the best defenders in baseball at second base.
Likely future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer just signed a one-year, $15.5 million deal, so you¡¯ll soon have your first look at him in a Blue Jays jersey, while Jeff Hoffman boosts the bullpen as the new closer and Yimi Garc¨ªa returns to the club in a setup role.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Get ready to see a lot of outfielder Alan Roden (Blue Jays' 2024 No. 12 prospect) the on-base machine who could force his way into the outfield picture soon. Josh Kasevich (No. 9) is another to keep an eye on, the steady shortstop who makes a ton of contact and has fans throughout the organization. They¡¯ll be joined by third baseman Charles McAdoo (No. 7) and some young arms competing for bullpen jobs when camp opens, but you can expect to see plenty more top prospects sliding over to the Major League side throughout February and March.
When is the team¡¯s first Grapefruit League game?
The Blue Jays open their spring schedule at home on Saturday, Feb. 22, with first pitch against the Yankees scheduled for 1:07 p.m. ET.
What are a few other notable spring games?
After a couple of road games following their home opener, the Blue Jays are back at TD Ballpark that first week to face the Cardinals on Feb. 25, the Phillies on Feb. 26 and Tigers on Feb. 28 (split squad).
The handful of night games in Spring Training are always a highlight, too. The Blue Jays are scheduled for four of those in camp, including:
Feb. 28 -- @ NYY split squad (6:35 p.m. ET)
March 7 -- @ NYY (6:35 p.m. ET)
March 14 -- @ HOU (6:05 p.m. ET)
March 18 -- @ BAL (6:05 p.m. ET)
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What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
Spring Breakout, now in its second year, puts all of Major League Baseball¡¯s brightest young stars on one stage together. The Blue Jays face the Twins in their Spring Breakout game this season, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at home. You¡¯ll get some sneak peeks of Toronto¡¯s top young players throughout camp -- typically subbing in for the late innings -- but this game will be all about the top prospects.
Will the team¡¯s games be televised?
Yes -- keep an eye out for Sportsnet¡¯s announcement soon with details on television and radio broadcasts.
When is the club¡¯s last game in Florida?
The Blue Jays finish up their spring schedule on March 23 at home against the Pirates. Then, they¡¯ll enjoy three days off before Opening Day at home.
What are the details for Opening Day?
The Blue Jays open their regular season on Thursday, March 27, at Rogers Centre, where they¡¯ll face the Orioles at 3:07 p.m. ET. It¡¯s a relief for the organization to open at home again after it spent each of the past two seasons on a three-city road trip to open the season while extensive renovations were completed at Rogers Centre.