ST. PETERSBURG -- This has been an offseason of change for the Rays. The club is under new ownership and again pursuing a new ballpark of the future. The roster has been overhauled, with several familiar faces on the way out and new players on the way in.
But soon, there will be familiar sights: pitchers and catchers throwing bullpens, hitters taking batting practice, defensive drills and all the usual images associated with Spring Training.
Here is everything you need to know before the Rays report to Charlotte Sports Park next week.
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
The first workout for all Rays pitchers and catchers is set for Thursday, Feb. 12, the day after they report. Those taking part in the World Baseball Classic will report on Monday, and others are expected to arrive early as well.
When is the first full-squad workout?
The full squad will officially take part in their first workout on Tuesday, Feb. 17, the day after they report.
Where is the Rays’ spring complex?
The Rays spend Spring Training at Charlotte Sports Park, which is located at 2300 El Jobean Road in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Can fans attend workouts?
Yes, fans can attend and watch the morning workouts. There are designated areas for fans to walk from the parking lot to the fields, where they can see the action from a pretty close distance.
Who are some new players fans should know?
The Rays brought in a few veteran free agents, most notably left-hander Steven Matz, center fielder Cedric Mullins and outfielder Jake Fraley. Matz will receive every chance to join Tampa Bay’s rotation, while Mullins and Fraley could take on major roles in the outfield.
They were also busy on the trade front and waiver wire. Among the players they acquired that way who could play a role early in the season are second baseman Gavin Lux, utility infielder Ben Williamson, outfield prospect Jacob Melton, corner utility man Ryan Vilade, outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy, infielder Brett Wisely, reliever Steven Wilson and right-hander Yoendrys Gómez.
Which top prospects are invited to Major League camp?
There will be a bunch of top prospects in big league Spring Training, including some members of the 40-man roster and more who received non-roster invitations. The 40-man prospects include shortstop Carson Williams (No. 1), Melton (No. 4), catcher Dominic Keegan (No. 20), infielder Jadher Areinamo (No. 28) and reliever Alex Cook.
When is the Rays’ first Grapefruit League game?
The Spring Training game schedule begins on Saturday, Feb. 21, with a home game at Charlotte Sports Park against the Braves at 1:05 p.m. ET.
Any other notable spring games on the schedule?
The Rays will host an exhibition against the Netherlands’ World Baseball Classic squad at Charlotte Sports Park on March 4.
There could be some déjà vu when the Rays play a night game against the Yankees on March 6 at George M. Steinbrenner Field, which was Tampa Bay’s regular-season home last year.
They will also play most of their games in Pinellas County near the end of Spring Training: in Clearwater against the Phillies on March 19, in Dunedin against the Blue Jays on March 22 and back in Clearwater on March 23.
What is Spring Breakout, and when is the Rays’ game?
This will be the third year for Spring Breakout, an event in which each club fields a team of its top prospects to play exhibition games against another club’s top prospects. It’s an early taste of the big leagues for many and a chance for fans to get a glimpse of the future on the same field.
This year, the Rays’ prospects will face off with a team of Mets prospects at 7:10 p.m. ET on March 19 across the state at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
When is their last Grapefruit League game?
The Rays will wrap up their Spring Training schedule against the Braves at CoolToday Park in North Port, Fla., on March 24. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. ET.
Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
Not this year. The Rays will have a day to rest and work out in St. Louis on March 25.
What are the details for Opening Day?
The Rays will begin their 29th season on Thursday, March 26, against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. First pitch is slated for 4:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. CT. That begins a nine-game, three-city road trip to St. Louis, Milwaukee and Minnesota.
When is the home opener? Will Tropicana Field be ready this season?
The Rays are scheduled to return to Tropicana Field on Monday, April 6, when they will host the Cubs at 4:10 p.m. ET. It will be their first game at the Trop since Sept. 22, 2024, before it sustained significant damage during Hurricane Milton.
The Trop’s roof has been fully replaced, and while work inside the ballpark remains ongoing, it is expected to be ready in time for the home opener.