Everything to know ahead of Astros Spring Training
Brian McTaggart
@brianmctaggartHOUSTON -- After saying goodbye to four key members of the 2022 World Series championship team -- outfielder Kyle Tucker, starting pitcher Justin Verlander, reliever Ryan Pressly and, likely, third baseman Alex Bregman -- the new-look Astros will begin Spring Training next week looking to keep their playoff streak alive.
Under second-year manager Joe Espada, the Astros will open camp and begin the long march toward what they hope will be a ninth consecutive playoff appearance while trying to win their eighth American League West title in the past nine years.
Here¡¯s everything you need to know about Spring Training.
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Thursday, Feb. 13
When is the first full-squad workout?
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Where is the team¡¯s facility?
CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches is in West Palm Beach, Fla., approximately 70 miles north of Miami and 47 miles north of Fort Lauderdale. It¡¯s at 5444 N. Haverhill Road, at the intersection of 45th Street.
Can fans attend workouts?
Workouts are open to fans at no charge beginning Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. ET. This will be the schedule most days.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
Veteran first baseman Christian Walker signed a three-year, $60 million contract after eight seasons with the D-backs. Infielder Isaac Paredes and starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski were acquired from the Cubs in the Tucker trade. Outfielder Ben Gamel returned to the Astros on a one-year deal. Outfielder Taylor Trammell was acquired in a deal with the Yankees.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Third baseman Cam Smith, acquired from the Cubs in the Tucker trade, becomes the Astros¡¯ top-ranked prospect and comes in at No. 59 on MLB Pipeline¡¯s Top 100. Outfielder Jacob Melton, the team¡¯s No. 2-ranked prospect, could push for a spot in the outfield with Tucker out of the picture.
Infielder Brice Matthews, the team¡¯s No. 4-ranked prospect, split time between second base and third base while playing in Puerto Rico. No. 6 prospect Zach Dezenzo, who made his Major League debut last year, will get a look in left field but can also play third base.
When is the team¡¯s first Grapefruit League game?
The Astros will open Grapefruit League play with a split squad on Feb. 22, hosting the Nationals at 1:05 p.m. ET and playing the Mets in Port St. Lucie at 1:10 p.m. ET.
What are some other notable spring games?
The Astros play the Yankees twice: on March 1 in Tampa and on March 8 in West Palm Beach. They will face the Blue Jays twice: on March 10 in Dunedin, Fla., and on March 14 in West Palm Beach (split squad for Astros). The remainder of their games are against National League teams: the Nationals, Cardinals, Marlins and Mets.
What is Spring Breakout, and when is the game?
Top prospects from the Astros and Nationals will be on display at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Friday, March 13, at 2:05 p.m. ET.
Will the team¡¯s games be televised?
Space City Home Network will carry 10 Spring Training/exhibition games live:
Feb. 22 vs. Nationals
Feb. 23 at Cardinals
Feb. 25 vs. Mets
March 1 at Yankees
March 9 vs. Marlins
March 11 vs. Mets
March 13 vs. Cardinals
March 18 vs. Nationals
March 22 vs. Marlins
March 24 vs. Sugar Land (in Houston)
When is the club¡¯s last game in Florida?
Sunday, March 23, vs. the Nationals in West Palm Beach (12:05 p.m. ET).
Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
The Astros will play two exhibition games against the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Daikin Park in Houston on March 24 and 25, both at 7:10 p.m. CT.
What are the details for Opening Day?
Thursday, March 27, vs. the Mets at Daikin Park (3:10 p.m. CT)