This story was excerpted from Kennedi Landry's Rangers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
ARLINGTON -- A new era of Rangers baseball is just days away as pitchers and catchers prepare to report to Surprise, Ariz.
In a week’s time, Skip Schumaker will begin his first spring as manager of the Rangers. With a new manager and a new staff, along with a reworked roster, Schumaker and Co. are hoping to return to postseason contention after two years of falling short of the ultimate goal.
“We're really excited about this group and looking forward to getting them out there in Arizona and getting started,” said president of baseball operations Chris Young.
Here’s what to know ahead of Spring Training this year.
When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers? What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Rangers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to hold their first workout on Feb. 10. The first full-squad workout is on Feb. 15.
Where is the team’s facility? Can fans attend workouts?
Surprise Stadium is the Spring Training home of both the Rangers and the Royals. The facility is about 25 miles northwest of Phoenix.
The Rangers’ side of the Surprise Recreation Campus will be open for fans every day starting at 10 a.m. CT throughout the duration of camp. The backfields are typically closed for team off-days, but it may vary if Minor League games are scheduled.
Who are some new faces fans should know?
The Rangers made a pair of blockbuster trades, acquiring outfielder Brandon Nimmo from the Mets and starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore from the Nationals. Additionally, Texas almost completely rebuilt the bullpen once again, adding names like Alexis Díaz, Tyler Alexander, Jakob Junis and Carter Baumler.
Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 overall prospect Sebastian Walcott highlights the list of prospects in big league camp. The Rangers also invited infielder Cameron Cauley (their No. 13 prospect) and a trio of former Top 30 prospects -- outfielders Trevor Hauver and Aaron Zavala and left-hander Robby Ahlstrom.
When is the team’s first Cactus League game? What are a few other notable spring games?
The Rangers’ first Cactus League game is on Feb. 20 against the Royals at Surprise Stadium. Other notable games include a World Baseball Classic exhibition game against Team Brazil on March 4. Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers will travel to Surprise on Feb. 28 to face Texas.
What is the Spring Breakout and when is the game?
This is the third year of MLB’s newest event, the Spring Breakout. This event is an All-Star Game of sorts that is meant to spotlight the best prospects in each organization. Each club will put together a team of its best prospects -- regardless of age or Minor League level -- that will face off against another organization's squad in a seven-inning exhibition.
The Rangers’ prospect squad will play the Royals on March 20 at Surprise Stadium.
Will the team’s games be televised?
Rangers Sports Network is expected to televise a handful of games toward the end of Spring Training, as usual, though the specific contests will be announced at a later date.
When is the club’s last game in Arizona? Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
The Rangers’ final Cactus League game is on March 21 against the Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields. The club will then return to Arlington to face the Royals in two exhibition games at Globe Life Field, at 7:05 p.m. CT on March 23 and 1:05 p.m. CT on March 24.
What are the details for Opening Day?
The Rangers will open the regular season on March 26 at 3:15 p.m. CT against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. It's the first time Texas has had Opening Day on the road since 2022 in Toronto.