MLB reveals huge slate of key spring training dates for Red Sox

Start counting down the days until pitchers, catchers, and position players report to Fort Myers.

As the offseason drags on and the Boston Red Sox continue to miss out on major free agent targets, perhaps next month’s Spring Training report date can offer much-needed relief to fans ready for baseball to return.

On Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced Spring Training report dates for all 30 clubs. Dates vary by team, as well as by position.

For example, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers return on February 9 but many other teams won’t have a full-squad workout until February 20.

The Red Sox have their first pitchers and catchers workout in the middle of February and, like most teams, have the rest of their roster report five days later.

Spring training workout and report dates for the Boston Red Sox

Boston’s pitchers and catchers will report to Fort Myers, Florida, on Wednesday, February 14. The rest of the team will report for the first full-squad workout on Monday, February 19.

The Red Sox have not yet disclosed the full roster of players who will be joining them in Florida, but all roster locks and fringe players are expected to attend. Competitions for the last few roster spots will emerge at key positions, including in the bullpen where there may be just one or two spots up for grabs.

Red Sox’ schedule for Spring Training

This report date gives very little turnaround time for the Red Sox before their first game of Spring Training. As has been the case in years past, the Red Sox will once again open their spring season against the Northeastern University Huskies. That game is game is scheduled for Friday, February 23, at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Grapefruit League action begins two days later on Sunday, February 25, at 1:05 p.m. ET against the Minnesota Twins.

Typically, the Red Sox start some of their low-level players near the beginning of Spring Training to get them some reps before they’re re-assigned to minor league camp. Everyday big-leaguers usually play more in March, but even then, their innings will be limited. By mid-to-late March, players on the fringe of the roster will compete for reps in hopes of making the Opening Day roster.

The Red Sox wrap up Spring Training on March 24 before opening the season in Seattle four days later.