This story was excerpted from Mark Bowman’s Braves Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
With the Braves set to begin Spring Training at CoolToday Park next week, here is what you should look for whether you plan to watch in person or via the widely expanded television schedule.
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Feb. 12. It’s not just the pitchers and catchers who arrive early for Spring Training. Position players will also be in camp next week, taking advantage of the chance to make their preparations in the sun and at the team’s Spring Training facility, which has many of the same amenities you’d find at a five-star resort. While pitchers and catchers will go through structured workouts, position players have no requirements the first week. This just means they’ll be a few holes ahead by the time pitchers and catchers reach the golf course in the early afternoon.
What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Feb. 18. You might get a player or two who doesn’t show up until the date of the first full-squad workout. But for the most part, by the time manager Brian Snitker gives his annual rah-rah speech before the first full-squad workout, the players have already been in camp together for at least a few days.
Where is the team’s facility?
North Port, Fla. The Braves’ complex is located in Wellen Park, a thriving community filled with residences, restaurants, retail outlets and a golf course. The area has prospered and grown since the Braves’ arrival ahead of the 2020 season.
Can fans attend workouts?
Fans will have access to the back fields beginning Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. ET. Entry will be granted through Gate 3 or the Green Gate before games begin. The Green Gate will be the only entry point for the back fields on the days the Braves are playing a Grapefruit League game on the main field.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
Jurickson Profar will draw plenty of attention when he arrives in camp just a few weeks after signing his three-year, $42 million deal. The outfielder revitalized his career by hitting 24 homers for the Padres last year. The Braves viewed him as the second-best bat available on the free-agent market, behind only Juan Soto. Ian Anderson isn’t a new face, but fans will enjoy seeing the 2021 World Series star back from Tommy John surgery. Anderson and Grant Holmes are the favorites to fill the starting rotation’s final two spots to begin the season.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Drake Baldwin is one of the game’s fastest-rising prospects, and he is poised to move up the Braves' Top 30 list from his current No. 5 spot when new rankings are unveiled the first week of March. Baldwin, who ranks as MLB’s No. 63 prospect, hit 12 homers and produced an .891 OPS in the 72 games he played after being promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett last year. He might not start the season in the Majors, but if there is a chance for him to play on a regular basis, the left-handed-hitting slugger should make his Atlanta debut this year.
Last summer’s first-round pick Cam Caminiti (MLB No. 89) is the only other Braves player listed on MLB’s latest Top 100 prospects list. The 18-year-old southpaw won’t be in camp this year, but former Top 100 prospects AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep will be.
When is the team’s first Grapefruit League game?
The Braves will play the Twins in Fort Myers on Feb. 22.
What are a few other notable spring home games?
Feb. 23 vs. Rays
Feb. 25 and March 17 vs. Red Sox
Feb. 26 and March 8 vs. Pirates
March 2 vs. Yankees
March 20 vs. Phillies
What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
A Braves prospect team will play a Tigers prospect team in the Spring Breakout game on March 16 at CoolToday Park.
Will the team’s games be televised?
FanDuel Sports Network (previously Bally Sports Network)
All broadcasts start at 1 p.m. ET.
March 2 vs. Yankees
March 3 at Rays
March 15 at Red Sox
March 17 vs. Red Sox
March 20 vs. Phillies
March 21 at Rays
March 23 vs. Orioles
Gray Media
Feb. 27 at Nationals, 6:05 p.m.
Feb. 28 at Marlins, 1:05 p.m.
March 6 vs. Marlins, 6:05 p.m.
March 9 at Red Sox, 1:05 p.m.
March 15 vs. Twins, 6:05 p.m.
March 16 Spring Breakout Game, 4:05 p.m.
March 19 at Yankees, 6:35 p.m.
March 22 at Tigers, 1:05 p.m.
March 24 at Cubs 4:05 p.m.
March 25 at Cubs, 4:05 p.m.
Any home game not aired by Fan Duel or Gray will be streamed for free on Braves.com, MLB.TV and in the MLB App.
When is the club’s last game in Florida?
The Braves will leave Florida after hosting the Orioles on March 23.
Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
Austin Riley, Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies will reunite with Dansby Swanson as the Braves get a taste of the Cactus League with games in Arizona against the Cubs on March 24 and 25.
What are the details for Opening Day?
The regular season will begin against the Padres on March 27 at Petco Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.