The Super Bowl is officially behind us which means one important thing: it’s time for baseball. This week, pitchers and catchers will report, followed by the first Cactus League games next week. What’s the schedule look like for Spring Training? Take a look at some key upcoming dates for the Royals below.
Key 2024 Spring Training dates for the Royals
February 13: Pitchers and Catchers Report
Pitchers and Catchers report today, February 13. This day marks the unofficial start of the 2024 MLB Season. The date also marks the opening of the 60-day Injured List. During the offseason, players who would normally be on the 60-day IL count against a team’s 40-man roster. Once pitchers and catchers report, that rule changes. 60-day IL players no longer count against the team’s 40-man roster. This means that players such as Kyle Wright will almost certainly be placed on the Injured List in the coming days. That could open the door for the Royals to add additional 40-man players either through free agency, trade, or from the minor leagues.
Among the pitchers and catchers, there will be a handful of non-roster invitees. Last year’s Paul Splittorff Award winner, Mason Barnett, will be among them.
February 18: Position Players Report
Position players report almost a week after pitchers and catchers. There will be some new faces this year, alongside familiar ones. You can view a full list of non-roster invitees here. Alongside the non-roster invitees, outfielder Tyler Gentry will also be participating in his first Spring Training as a member of the 40-man roster.
February 19: The first full-squad workout takes place
February 23: First Spring Training game against the Texas Rangers
The Royals will play 31 spring training games this season. The full schedule can be found here. The team’s first game will be against the defending champion Texas Rangers. The Rangers share the complex in Surprise, Arizona with the Royals. Kansas City will play eight games in the first seven days of their Spring Training schedule.
March 17: “Spring Breakout” Game
Earlier this offseason, MLB announced the first annual Spring Breakout game. Over four days, major league teams will play a game against another major league organization.
“All 30 MLB clubs will assemble rosters filled with 20-25 of their best prospects to take on top Minor League or rookie talents from other organizations. Each team will play at least one seven-inning exhibition game as part of the initiative. One Arizona and one Florida organization will play two over the four days to make the math work.”
Sam Dykstra, MiLB
Rosters have not been announced yet but should drop soon. The Royals will play their Spring Breakout game on March 17 against the Milwaukee Brewers. Notable prospects that could play in the game include outfielder Gavin Cross, third baseman Cayden Wallace, and second baseman Tyler Tolbert. Top pitching prospects Noah Cameron, Frank Mozzicato, and Ben Kudrna could also be among the names selected.
March 25: Exhibition game in Springdale, AR against Northwest Arkansas
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals — the Double-A Affiliate of the Royals — will host the Major League club for an exhibition game on March 25. This will be the first time that the Royals have played at Arvest Park and tickets sold out rather quickly.
March 28: Opening Day against the Minnesota Twins
The season kicks off against the Minnesota Twins. Before this date, the team will need to trim their roster to 26 players. There will be a handful of spring training battles to earn limited roster spots. Predictions have already started to drop, but player performance over the next month will be among the largest factors in determining their fate. Among them, the outfield competition will be a tough one. Drew Waters, Kyle Isbel, Tyler Gentry, MJ Melendez, and Nelson Velazquez are all competing to make the Opening Day roster. Hunter Renfroe is also in the mix but seems the safest of the bunch after signing a free-agent contract this offseason.
In the bullpen, prospects Will Klein, John McMillon, and Steven Cruz hope to make their case this spring after the team signed a handful of experienced relievers to help anchor their pitching staff.