MLB Spring Training 2026 Dates: Key Report Days, Workouts & First Games to Know

The wait is finally over. With the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) on the horizon and camps opening across Arizona and Florida this week, the baseball calendar is officially underway. As of today, February 9, we are just hours away from the first official workouts.

Here is everything you need to know about the MLB spring training 2026 dates, reporting schedules, and key events to watch.

Key 2026 MLB Spring Training Report Dates by Team

While dates vary slightly by club, the league-wide reporting window is condensed into a tight 7-day period this year. The following table outlines when each team’s pitchers and catchers are expected to arrive.

Note: Players participating in the World Baseball Classic have earlier mandatory reporting dates (typically Feb 9-11) to prepare for the tournament.

When Pitchers and Catchers Report for the 2026 Season

The unofficial start of the baseball season is always marked by the arrival of pitchers and catchers. For the MLB spring training 2026 dates, the window opens tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10.

Teams like the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers will be the first on the field. By Friday, February 13, every pitching staff in the league, including the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, will be active.

This year is unique because of the WBC. Pitchers committed to national teams (like Team USA, Dominican Republic, or Japan) are required to report earlier than their teammates to ensure they are ramped up for high-intensity games in early March. If you are visiting camps this week, you might see stars throwing bullpen sessions earlier than usual as they prepare for international play.

First full-squad workouts and what they mean for roster battles

Position players typically arrive 4-5 days after the pitchers. By February 17, all 30 teams will have their full squads on the field.

These first full-squad workouts are critical for setting the tone of camp. They usually begin with physicals and team meetings before moving to batting practice and fielding drills. For fans and analysts, this is when the real evaluation begins.

Key Storylines to Watch in 2026:

• Red Sox Outfield Logjam: With four starting-caliber outfielders, early workouts will determine who gets the reps and if a trade is imminent.
• Blue Jays Rotation: Toronto enters camp with six legitimate starters for five spots; look for workout intensity to be high immediately.
• Mariners' Youth Movement: With veterans away for the WBC, top prospects like Colt Emerson will get extended looks during these early full-squad days.

2026 MLB Spring Training Game Start Dates and Schedule Overview

The MLB spring training schedule 2026 kicks off officially on Friday, February 20. The slate ramps up quickly from there:

• The Openers (Feb. 20): A light schedule features the Padres vs. Mariners and Royals vs. Rangers in the Cactus League, while the Yankees host the Orioles in the Grapefruit League opener.
• Full Slate (Feb. 21): All 30 teams take the field for the first time.
• WBC Exhibition Games (March 3-4): MLB clubs will play exhibition games against national teams. Highlights include Team USA vs. Giants (Mar 3) and Team USA vs. Rockies (Mar 4).
• Spring Breakout (March 19-22): The prospect showcase returns, featuring games comprised entirely of minor league stars.
• Neutral Site Games: The Oakland A's will host the Angels in Las Vegas (Mar 7-8), and the Tigers will play the Rockies in a rare Florida-to-Arizona crossover series.

The exhibition season concludes on March 24, leading directly into a standalone Opening Night game on March 25 (Giants vs. Yankees).

Why Spring Training Dates Matter for Fantasy Baseball Preparation

If you are a fantasy baseball manager, the MLB spring training 2026 dates are more than just calendar markers; they are your draft preparation roadmap.

• Early Reporting (Feb 10-13): Watch for "best shape of his life" reports and velocity readings. If a pitcher is hitting 97 mph on Feb 12, their offseason program worked.
• WBC Impact (March 3-17): Players in the WBC will be drafting off high-intensity games sooner. This can be good for readiness but carries a higher injury risk. You must track their usage closely compared to players remaining in camp.
• Position Battles (Feb 20 - March 15): The early game schedule is when managers test lineups. If a "sleeper" prospect is batting second or third in the order during the first week of games, their stock should rise on your draft board.