Rangers Spring Training is close! Here's all you need to know
Kennedi Landry
@kennlandryThis story was excerpted from Kennedi Landry's Rangers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
ARLINGTON -- Rangers manager Bruce Bochy enjoys being back at the ballpark.
The Texas skipper and former manager of the Giants returned in 2023 after a brief retirement, leading the Rangers to their first World Series championship. The repeat bid was not successful in 2024, but Bochy is ready to get back out there, starting with Spring Training in Surprise, Ariz., next week.
¡°This is why I'm here,¡± Bochy said. ¡°I did a retirement thing, and I enjoyed that first year or whatever, but I missed the game. For me to be back in it, I'm lucky. It's a great blessing that has got me back into doing what I love to do, and I can't wait for Spring Training. There's nothing like it when you hit that field the first day.¡±
Here¡¯s what to know ahead of Spring Training this year.
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers? What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Rangers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Feb. 12. The first full squad workout is on Feb. 17.
Where is the team¡¯s facility? Can fans attend workouts?
Surprise Stadium is the Spring Training home of both the Rangers and the Royals. The facility is about 25 miles northwest of Phoenix.
The Rangers¡¯ side of the Surprise Recreation Campus will be open for fans every day starting at 10 a.m. CT throughout the duration of camp. The backfields are typically closed for team off-days, but it may vary if Minor League games are scheduled.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
The Rangers revamped the lineup with names like Jake Burger, Joc Pederson and Kyle Higashioka. The front office also retooled the entire bullpen with right-handers Jacob Webb, Chris Martin, Luis Curvelo and Shawn Armstrong, along with lefties Hoby Milner and Robert Garcia.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Sebastian Walcott -- the Rangers¡¯ No. 1 prospect, per MLB Pipeline -- is invited to his first big league Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. He¡¯s the No. 17 prospect in baseball, per Pipeline.
When is the team¡¯s first Cactus League game? What are a few other notable spring games?
The Rangers¡¯ first Cactus League game is on Feb. 21 against the Royals at Surprise Stadium.
Other notable games include a matchup with Bruce Bochy¡¯s former club, the Giants, on March 13 at Scottsdale Stadium. The Rangers will also face Shohei Ohtani and Co. on March 6 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale.
What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
This is the second year of MLB¡¯s newest event, the Spring Breakout. This event was established to spotlight the best prospects in every organization. Each team will put together a team of its best prospects -- regardless of age or Minor League level -- that will face off against another organization's squad in a seven-inning exhibition.
The Rangers¡¯ prospect squad will play the Giants on March 15 at Scottsdale Stadium at 7:05 p.m. CT/5:05 p.m. MST.
Will the team¡¯s games be televised?
The newly-formed Rangers Sports Network is scheduled to air eight Cactus League games: four on RSN and four over the air locally on CW33.
When is the club¡¯s last game in Arizona? Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
The Rangers¡¯ final Cactus League game is on March 22 against the Royals at Surprise Stadium. The club will then return to Arlington to face the Royals in two exhibition games at Globe Life Field, at 7:05 p.m. CT on March 24 and 1:35 p.m. CT on March 25.
What are the details for Opening Day? (date, time, opponent and location)
The Rangers begin the regular season at 3:05 p.m. CT on March 27 against the Red Sox at Globe Life Field. It will air on the Rangers Sports Network and on Victory+.