What you need to know for Rockies Spring Training
Thomas Harding
@harding_at_mlbThis story was excerpted from Thomas Harding¡¯s Rockies Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
DENVER -- The Rockies have gradually turned over their lineup to younger players such as 2024 Gold Glove Award winners Ezequiel Tovar at shortstop and center fielder Brenton Doyle, plus a couple of players who have scratched their offensive potential in outfielder Nolan Jones and first baseman Michael Toglia.
In recent years, pain has accompanied youth. How about 2025, with Spring Training fast approaching?
Manager Bud Black promises more youth. But with the talent on the way, the possibility is there will be less pain. Black doesn¡¯t have to look far to find an example.
¡°I think we¡¯re getting closer,¡± Black said. ¡°Every year is different. You look at it across the landscape of professional sports. Teams emerge. The Kansas City Royals emerged last year.¡±
The Royals went from 106 losses in 2023 to 86 wins and the playoffs in 2024. To follow the Royals¡¯ unexpected footprints, the Rockies will take the first steps in Spring Training. Here is a look at key dates and facts.
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Feb. 13
What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Feb. 18
Where is the team¡¯s facility?
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Can fans attend workouts?
Yes. Players begin stretching for workouts at roughly 9 a.m. each day, and there are many areas accessible and visible for fans.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
The key new face belongs to second baseman Thairo Estrada, who signed a one-year deal with a 2026 mutual option that guarantees him $4 million.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Camp will be full of prospects, starting with right-handed pitcher Chase Dollander, the Rockies' No. 1 and MLB Pipeline's No. 25 prospect whom Colorado selected ninth overall in 2023. Ten of the team¡¯s 2024 winter Top 30 prospects received non-roster invitations to camp.
When is the team¡¯s first Cactus League game?
The Rockies and D-backs, who share Salt River Fields, will have their traditional opener on Feb. 21.
What are a few other notable spring games?
The Rockies will face the World Series champion Dodgers at Salt River Fields on Feb. 27. There are three night games against the Rangers -- March 7 at Salt River Fields at 6:40 p.m. MDT, March 14 at Surprise, Ariz., at 7:40 MDT and March 20 at Surprise at 7:05. The other night game is against the Giants at Salt River Fields at 7:40.
What is Spring Breakout and when is the Rockies¡¯ game?
The second annual Spring Breakout is a four-day event in which top prospects from every team in the Majors will play a highlighted game during Major League Spring Training in Arizona and Florida. This year, the Rockies¡¯ prospects will meet the White Sox prospects at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on March 16 at 3:05 p.m. MDT.
Which games will be televised on Rockies.TV?
An official announcement has not yet been made, but games are expected to air on Feb. 22 vs. D-backs (1:10 p.m. MT), March 12 vs. Padres (2:10 p.m. MDT), March 13 vs. Guardians (2:10 p.m.), March 24 vs. Brewers (2:10 p.m.)
Which games will be carried on the KOA Rockies Radio Network/KOA News Radio 850/94.1 FM?
Feb. 21 vs. D-backs (1:10 p.m. MT), Feb. 25 vs. White Sox (1:10 p.m.), Feb. 26 at Royals (1:05 p.m.), March 1 at D-backs (1:10 p.m.), March 4 vs. Reds (1:05 p.m.), March 7 vs. Rangers (7:05 p.m.), March 9 vs. Mariners (2:10 p.m. MDT).
When is the club¡¯s last game in Arizona?
March 24 vs. Brewers at Salt River Fields, 1:10 p.m. MDT
Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
March 25 at 11:05 a.m. MDT vs. the Twins at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla.
What are the details for Opening Day?
March 28 at 2:10 p.m. MDT vs. the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Stadium in Tampa, Fla.