Here's what to know about Angels Spring Training

February 8th, 2024

This story was excerpted from Rhett Bollinger's Angels Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

ANAHEIM -- It’s a new era for the Angels, who hired Ron Washington as manager this offseason but also saw two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani leave the club via free agency to sign with the rival Dodgers.

It could be a transitional season for the Angels, who have superstar Mike Trout and a young core of players on the roster, including catcher Logan O’Hoppe, shortstop Zach Neto, first baseman Nolan Schanuel, outfielder Mickey Moniak and starting pitchers Chase Silseth, Reid Detmers and Patrick Sandoval.

But the Angels still plan to try to compete in 2024 and could still add more depth before the start of the regular season. They've yet to make a big splash via free agency and there are still some notable names available.

With Spring Training a week away, here's what you need to know ahead of camp:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?

Pitchers and catchers report on Tuesday, Feb. 13, with the first workouts set for Wednesday.

When is the first full-squad workout?

Position players report on Feb. 18 and the first full-squad workout is on Feb. 19.

Where is the team’s facility?

The Angels play their Cactus League games at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. It’s near Arizona State University’s campus and only four miles away from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Can fans attend workouts?

Yes, fans can watch the workouts on the lower fields across the parking lot from Tempe Diablo Stadium. Access has been limited in recent years because of construction, as the facility is being renovated.

Who are some new faces fans should know?

The Angels signed right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson to a three-year deal worth $33 million, and he figures to be a big part of the bullpen. They also added to their relief corps by signing Matt Moore, José Cisnero, Luis Garcia, Adam Cimber, Zach Plesac and Adam Kolarek to one-year deals and trading for relievers Tyler Thomas and Guillermo Zuñiga (more on him below).

As far as position players, the Angels signed outfielder Aaron Hicks to a one-year deal and acquired first baseman Evan White via trade from the Braves.

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?

Schanuel is their No. 1 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and figures to be the club’s starting first baseman after he excelled in his first taste of the Majors last season.

Outfield prospect Nelson Rada (Angels No. 3) is expected to be invited to Major League camp after a breakout season with Single-A Inland Empire, stealing 55 bases and posting a .741 OPS in 115 games despite being only 17 for most of the season (he turned 18 in August). Infielder Kyren Paris, who reached the Majors for the first time last year, will also be in big league camp.

The Angels have yet to officially announce their non-roster invitees.

When is the team’s first Cactus League game?

The Angels begin Cactus League play on Feb. 24, when they host Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers at Tempe Diablo Stadium at 12:10 p.m. PT.

What are a few other notable spring games?

The Angels play against the Dodgers in Glendale at Camelback Ranch on March 5, their lone night game during Spring Training. On March 11, they'll host the defending World Series champion Rangers.

What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?

All 30 clubs will assemble rosters filled with 20-25 of their best prospects to take on top Minor League or rookie talents from other organizations. Each team will play at least one seven-inning exhibition game as part of the initiative.

The Angels will play their Spring Breakout game against the Dodgers on March 16 at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Will the team’s games be televised?

Bally Sports West and MLB.TV are expected to carry nearly every Angels game again this spring, although they’ve yet to make an official announcement.

When is the club’s last game in Arizona?

They wrap up Cactus League play against the A’s on March 23 at 12:05 p.m. PT at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa.

Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?

The Angels have their annual three-game Freeway Series against the Dodgers before the regular season begins. The Angels play at Dodger Stadium on March 24 (4:10 p.m. PT) and March 25 (6:10 p.m.), then host the Dodgers at Angel Stadium on March 26 (6:07 p.m.).

What are the details for Opening Day?

The Angels open the regular season against the Orioles on March 28 at 12:05 p.m. PT at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Their home opener is on April 5 against the Red Sox at 6:38 p.m. at Angel Stadium.