KANSAS CITY -- Spring Training is right around the corner. Several Royals are already working out at the team’s facility in Surprise, Ariz. Many will join next week, and they’ll be in full-go mode by Feb. 16.
So many questions abound for this Royals team looking to stick as a contender this season. We’ll get into all of that in our Spring Training coverage. For now, here’s a FAQ about camp and what to expect:
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Royals pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Tuesday and hold the first workout on Wednesday.
What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Position players join them for the first full-squad workout on Feb. 16, although those participating in the World Baseball Classic will be there before that.
Where is the team’s facility?
The Royals begin their 23rd Spring Training in Surprise. Surprise Stadium is located at 15850 N. Bullard Ave. Their training facility and backfields for the Major and Minor League clubs are on the northwest side of the stadium (along the third-base side). Kansas City shares the stadium with the Rangers, who have their facility and fields on the opposite side.
Can fans attend workouts?
They sure can – it’s one of the best parts about Spring Training. Workouts on the backfields are open to the public daily, with times varied based on the team’s practice schedule (typically the Major League club works out in the mornings). Parking is free in the stadium lot, and there is a walking path from the entrance off Buck O’Neil Way.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
Many fan favorites are returning in 2026, but there are a few new names to know. Outfielders Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas and Kameron Misner are the new hitters on the roster, while the pitching staff welcomes Alex Lange, Nick Mears, Matt Strahm and Mason Black. Notable non-roster invitees include veteran infielders Brandon Drury, Kevin Newman, Josh Rojas and Abraham Toro.
How many players will be gone for the World Baseball Classic?
• Team USA: Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., starter Michael Wacha
• Team Italy: First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, outfielder Jac Caglianone
• Team Venezuela: Catcher Salvador Perez, third baseman Maikel Garcia
• Team Puerto Rico: Starter Seth Lugo
• Team Dominican Republic: Reliever Carlos Estévez
• Team Canada: Reliever Eric Cerantola (Triple-A), infielder Abraham Toro (non-roster)
• Team Israel: Reliever Eli Morgan
• Team Nicaragua: Pitcher Oscar Rayo (Triple-A/Minor League camp)
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Right-handers Ben Kudrna (No. 7) and Steven Zobac (No. 11) were added to the 40-man roster in November, so they’ll be in big league camp this year. Catcher Carter Jensen, the Royals’ No. 1 prospect, will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Other 2025 Top 30 prospects invited as NRIs include catchers Blake Mitchell (No. 2) and Ramon Ramirez (No. 9), shortstop Daniel Vazquez (No. 16), outfielders Carson Roccaforte (No. 20) and Gavin Cross (No. 24) and left-hander Frank Mozzicato (No. 22).
Other homegrown NRIs to keep an eye on include relievers A.J. Causey and Dennis Colleran and starters Shane Panzini and Hunter Patteson. All are close enough to the Majors that we could see them in Kansas City this year.
When is the team’s first Cactus League game?
The Royals open the 2026 Cactus League schedule on Feb. 20 against the Rangers at Surprise Stadium.
What are a few other notable spring games?
• March 3: Exhibition game against Cuba at Surprise Stadium
• March 6: A visit to Glendale, Ariz., and the reigning World Series champion Dodgers at Camelback Ranch
• March 9: The AL Central champion Guardians come for a visit at Surprise Stadium
What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
Spring Breakout is a showcase that highlights tomorrow’s stars across all 30 organizations. This year, the Royals’ prospects play the Rangers’ group at Surprise Stadium on March 20 at 3 p.m. CT.
Will the team’s games be televised?
The Royals are debuting a new way to watch their games this year with Royals.TV, a broadcast produced and distributed by MLB. Here’s a full FAQ with details. They do expect a select number of Spring Training games to be televised, but that schedule has not been announced.
When is the club’s last game in Arizona?
The Cactus League slate ends on March 21 against the Rockies at Surprise Stadium.
Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
After that game, the Royals will head to Texas for what has become their annual two exhibition games against the Rangers at Globe Life Field. Those games are March 23 at 7:05 p.m. CT and March 24 at 1:05 p.m. CT.
What are the details for Opening Day?
Unlike the past several years, the Royals won’t be opening the 2026 season at home. Instead, they’ll be in Atlanta for Opening Day, March 27 at 6:15 p.m. CT at Truist Park. On March 30, the Royals will hold their home opener against the Twins at 3:10 p.m. CT at Kauffman Stadium.