FAQ: What to know for Tigers Spring Training
Jason Beck
@beckjasonThis story was excerpted from Jason Beck's Tigers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
DETROIT -- While snow and ice begin to crust over the ground in Michigan, thoughts turn to the warm weather and sunshine of Tigers Spring Training in Lakeland, Fla. When Detroit is coming off its first postseason berth in 10 years and a run to the ALDS with a core of young talent and a highly ranked farm system, the anticipation is even greater.
Look for daily Spring Training coverage on tigers.com beginning next week, but for now, here¡¯s a list of questions and answers about what to look forward to as the Tigers begin their 90th year of Spring Training in Lakeland:
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Feb. 12
When is the first full-squad workout?
Feb. 17
Where is the team¡¯s facility?
Joker Marchant Stadium and the Tigertown complex are located in Lakeland, about midway between Tampa and Orlando. The complex is situated along Lakeland Hills Boulevard, about a mile south of Interstate 4 and Exit 33.
Can fans attend workouts?
Fans are welcome to watch team workouts from designated areas around the back fields at Tigertown. They usually begin between 9:30 and 10 a.m. ET and run through the morning. Admission is free.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
There¡¯s a new face at second base, where Gleyber Torres arrives on a one-year contract after seven seasons with the Yankees, four of them with at least 24 home runs. The 28-year-old Venezuelan is a two-time All-Star but struggled last year, leaving him available for the Tigers to sign him short term.
While Jack Flaherty rejoins Detroit¡¯s rotation after agreeing to a two-year contract (one year plus a player option) as a free agent, Alex Cobb slots into the rotation on a one-year deal after bouncing back last year from left hip surgery. The 37-year-old right-hander was an All-Star in San Francisco in 2023 before the injury.
In the bullpen, Tommy Kahnle brings his wipeout changeup to Comerica Park on a one-year contract after playing an underrated role in the Yankees¡¯ run to the AL pennant last season.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Top prospect Jackson Jobe, the No. 5 prospect on MLB Pipeline¡¯s Top 100 list, will be in camp competing for a rotation spot, while Tigers No. 5 prospect Jace Jung competes for an infield role. Other prospects in camp include right-hander Ty Madden (No. 14), shortstop Trey Sweeney (No. 18) and right-handers Tyler Owens (No. 29) and Sawyer Gipson-Long (No. 30). More prospects will be in camp as non-roster invites, which have yet to be announced.
When is the team¡¯s first Grapefruit League game?
The Tigers open against the Phillies on Feb. 22 at Joker Marchant Stadium.
What are a few other notable spring games?
Feb. 26: Twins at Tigers, 1:05 p.m. (FDSN Detroit, AM 1270)
Feb. 27: Red Sox at Tigers, 1:05 p.m. (AM 1270)
March 7: Orioles at Tigers, 6:05 p.m. (FSND Extra)
March 13: Yankees at Tigers, 1:05 p.m. (AM 1270)
March 16: Orioles at Tigers, 1:05 p.m. (AM 1270)
March 21: Yankees at Tigers (split squad), 6:05 p.m. (FSND Extra, AM 1270)
March 22: Braves at Tigers, 1:05 p.m. (97.1 FM)
Will the games be broadcast?
Nine games are scheduled for FanDuel Sports Network Detroit or FSND Extra, beginning Feb. 23 with a 1:05 p.m. game at the Yankees. Twenty games will be on the radio in Detroit at either 97.1 The Ticket or AM 1270.
What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
MLB Spring Breakout showcases MLB¡¯s future talent by assembling squads of each organization¡¯s top prospects to face each other in Spring Training games from March 13-16. Tigers prospects will face Braves prospects at 4:05 p.m. on March 16 at CoolToday Park in North Port.
When is the club¡¯s last game in Florida?
The Tigers close Spring Training on March 23 with a 12:05 p.m. game against the Phillies in Clearwater.
Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
Before the Tigers head to Los Angeles for Opening Day, they¡¯ll visit San Francisco for two games against the Giants at Oracle Park -- March 24 at 9:45 p.m., and March 25 at 8 p.m.
What are the details for Opening Day?
The Tigers open the 2025 season against the defending world champion Dodgers on March 27 at 7:10 p.m. at Dodger Stadium in an ESPN broadcast. Detroit¡¯s home opener is scheduled for April 4 against the White Sox at 1:10 p.m. at Comerica Park.