What to know about Mets Spring Training

February 9th, 2023

NEW YORK -- The busiest, most expensive offseason in Mets history is about to give way to one of the club’s most fascinating springs. Although few jobs will be up for grabs when the Mets congregate in Port St. Lucie, Fla., beginning next week, plenty of work remains as the revamped Mets look to gel in advance of another season dripping with expectations.

It all begins in Port St. Lucie, where the Mets have trained every spring since 1988. Here are the details on this year’s camp:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Feb. 15.

What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Feb. 20.

Where is the team’s facility?
Clover Park is located in the St. Lucie West community of Port St. Lucie, about 55 miles north of Palm Beach International Airport.

Can fans attend workouts?
Yes, workouts are free and open to the public beginning Feb. 15.

Who are some new faces fans should know?
The Mets were among baseball’s most active teams this offseason, bringing in 10 free agents and adding four more players to their 40-man roster via trades and waiver claims. The new faces include: 

• C Omar Narváez, a free agent signing
• INF Danny Mendick, a free agent signing
• OF Tommy Pham, a free agent signing 
• RHP Jeff Brigham, a trade acquisition from the Marlins 
• RHP Zach Greene, a Rule 5 pick 
• RHP Elieser Hernandez, a trade acquisition from the Marlins
• RHP Stephen Ridings, a waiver claim from the Yankees
• RHP David Robertson, a free agent signing
• RHP Kodai Senga, a free agent signing
• RHP Justin Verlander, a free agent signing
• LHP José Quintana, a free agent signing
• LHP Brooks Raley, a trade acquisition from the Rays

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
The Mets’ top four prospects at the end of last season -- catchers Francisco Álvarez and Kevin Parada, infielder Brett Baty and outfielder Alex Ramírez -- will all be in camp. So will two notables who have been there before, infielders Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio. Both will fight for relevance amid the Mets’ offseason acquisitions.

Which players will be participating in the World Baseball Classic?
Major League Baseball has yet to confirm rosters, but the following players are expected to participate:

• 1B Pete Alonso, USA
• 2B Jeff McNeil, USA
• RHP Adam Ottavino, USA
• LHP Brooks Raley, USA
• LHP José Quintana, Colombia
• 3B Eduardo Escobar, Venezuela
• C Omar Narváez, Venezuela
• SS Francisco Lindor, Puerto Rico
• RHP Edwin Díaz, Puerto Rico

It’s unclear if outfielder Starling Marte will play for the Dominican Republic. He’s recovering from core muscle surgery and may decline his invitation for that reason.

When is the team’s first Grapefruit League game?
The Mets will open their spring schedule with a split squad game on Feb. 25. Half the team will travel to West Palm Beach for a 1:05 p.m. ET game against the Astros, while the rest will stay in Port St. Lucie for a 6:10 p.m. ET game against the Marlins.  

What are a few other notable spring games?
The Mets will host Team Nicaragua and Team Venezuela on March 8-9 as those clubs prepare for the WBC. In addition to their usual geographically friendly slate of games against the Marlins, Cardinals, Astros and Nationals, the Mets will also play the Braves (March 2 at home; March 23 on the road) and Rays (March 12 at home; March 24 on the road). 

Will the team’s games be televised?
SNY has yet to announce its Spring Training schedule, but the network typically televises all home games at Port St. Lucie. WCBS radio also carries a package of spring games. 

When is the club’s last Spring Training game?
March 26 against the Marlins. 

What are the details for Opening Day?
March 30 at 4:10 p.m. ET against the Marlins in Miami.